What Was Discussed in Netanyahu’s Meeting With Somaliland President

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, during the first official visit of the leader of Somaliland to Israel, since recognition of Somaliland by Israel in December of 2025.

The two met one-on-one and later in an expanded meeting and issued a joint statement to bolster cooperation. They also spoke to reporters.

Netanyahu stated, “This is a historic moment,” and added that “Israel is proud to be the first government in the world to recognize Somaliland.

“We are united by the idea that freedom, democracy and opportunities are stronger than fanaticism, terrorism, and chaos. This agreement is not just diplomacy; it is farms, it is agriculture, it is hospitals, businesses, technologies, jobs. This is transforming societies, bringing them to prosperity for both our peoples.” He stated.

Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

Netanyahu called the recognition a correction of a “historic injustice,” stating that the Jewish and Somaliland people have both suffered in having their sovereignty recognition delayed by world powers, and that the two also agreed on increasing ties between both countries.

“In the fields of water, agriculture, technology, security, and beyond. This is a mutual recognition, just as you expect world governments to recognize your sovereign status, your identity, your rights, your national rights-we are doing with respect to our capital,” he stated, welcoming the move of Somaliland to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu made it a point to differ his ties between that of neighboring enemies of peace.

“Our enemies are tunneling. Our enemies are launching missiles; they are building terror armies. We are building partnership and innovation, and we will have security, and we will have hope,” he asserted.

The recognition in December 2025 of Somaliland by Israel angered both the Palestinian-led Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations.

The UN stated it “rejects any action that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. The decision is contrary to all international law; it cannot have the status of recognized statehood,” a stance supported by many nations like the U.S., which states East Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian land.

Also Read: Kenyan Govt Protests Israel’s Travel Restrictions on Citizens Over Ebola Concerns

Diplomatic Developments

Somalia maintains its opposition to relations between Israel and Somaliland, seeing it as a betrayal of Somalia and a violation of international law.

It is said that cooperation between Israel and Somaliland will boost economic growth, security of maritime waters, and technologies.

Also Read: Relief for Kenyans as Israel Lifts Travel Restrictions Imposed Over Ebola Concerns 

The embassy of Somaliland in Jerusalem was opened on Monday, June 15th, becoming its eighth embassy worldwide.

Israel also plans to open an embassy in the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa.

Netanyahu concluded his statement by thanking the visiting delegation for coming to Israel and welcoming them to Jerusalem, “may we go from strength to strength.”

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Netanyahu Hosts Somaliland President in Historic Jerusalem Visit