JERUSALEM (SD) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro held a high-level meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his official visit to Israel, according to a statement issued by the Somaliland Presidency.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Somaliland and Israel following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. President Irro expressed appreciation to the Israeli government for what he described as a historic decision, stating that the recognition reflects Somaliland’s achievements in peace, democracy, stability, and state-building.

According to the statement, President Irro noted that Somaliland has pursued international recognition for more than three decades and viewed Israel’s decision as an important milestone in that effort.

During the meeting, the two sides reportedly signed a Strategic Declaration establishing a framework for long-term cooperation between Somaliland and Israel. The agreement is said to cover a range of sectors, including economic development, security cooperation, technology, investment, infrastructure, and social development.

Officials stated that the declaration lays the foundation for a formal partnership based on mutual interests and shared goals aimed at promoting regional stability and economic growth.

As part of the visit, President Irro presented Prime Minister Netanyahu with Somaliland’s National Medal of Honor in recognition of his role in Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, according to the presidential statement.

The meeting is regarded as one of the most significant diplomatic engagements undertaken by Somaliland since its declaration of independence in 1991 and reflects the growing relationship between the two sides.

The meeting between President Irro and Prime Minister Netanyahu marks another major step in the rapidly expanding relationship between Somaliland and Israel. If fully implemented, the Strategic Declaration could move the relationship beyond political recognition and into practical cooperation across economic, technological, and security sectors.

For Somaliland, the visit strengthens its argument that it is capable of conducting independent foreign relations and building partnerships with internationally recognized states. The signing of a strategic cooperation framework also provides Somaliland with an opportunity to attract investment, technical expertise, and diplomatic support.

For Israel, closer ties with Somaliland offer potential strategic advantages in the Horn of Africa, particularly given Somaliland’s location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

The development is also likely to increase diplomatic tensions with the Federal Government of Somalia, which continues to reject Somaliland’s independence and views alleged foreign recognition as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

More broadly, the meeting demonstrates how Somaliland is seeking to translate diplomatic recognition into concrete political, economic, and security partnerships, while positioning itself as an increasingly important actor in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.