By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
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Somalia, 14 June 2026 – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is expected to open an embassy in Israel during a five-day state visit, Somaliland state television said.
The broadcaster said Irro will travell to Israel after receiving an official invitation and be welcomed by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Haji, said the two presidents will hold formal bilateral talks, followed by a high-level luncheon and a joint press statement to international media.
Irro is also expected to meet Israel’s prime minister, foreign minister, defence minister, military chief, finance minister, economy minister and central bank governor, the ambassador added.
Somaliland state television said the talks will focus on political, security, trade, investment, technology and economic cooperation.
The broadcaster said Irro will open an embassy while in Israel. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland's independence last year.
It will be Irro's first visit to the Middle East country since becoming President of the breakaway region.
Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly opposed any move to recognise Somaliland, saying the territory remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but has not received broad international recognition.