A Handshake Across Histories: Somaliland’s Landmark Visit Opens a New Chapter with Israel
Mohamoud Walaaleye
In a moment charged with symbolism, gratitude, and diplomatic ambition, the President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi Irro stood before Israeli leaders and dignitaries to mark what he described as a historic turning point in his nation’s modern history: the first official state visit by a President of Somaliland to another country.
Addressing President Isaac Herzog, government officials, business leaders, and distinguished guests, the Somaliland leader framed the occasion not merely as a diplomatic event but as the beginning of a relationship built on mutual recognition, respect, and courage.
From the outset, the speech carried a tone of appreciation. The President praised the warmth of the reception accorded to his delegation, emphasizing that the welcome reflected more than diplomatic protocol. In his words, it represented a sincere gesture of friendship between two peoples seeking a meaningful partnership for the future.
The significance of the visit was repeatedly underscored. For Somaliland, a nation that has spent decades seeking broader international engagement, the invitation itself was portrayed as a milestone. The President noted that Israel’s decision to host Somaliland at the highest level would become a memorable chapter in his country’s diplomatic history.
Perhaps the most striking message came when the President reflected on Somaliland’s long quest for international engagement. For more than three decades, he said, Somaliland had asked the world for one simple thing: to be seen.
“Only one country decided to see us,” he declared, presenting Israel’s outreach as an act of political vision and diplomatic courage.
The speech also highlighted what Somaliland views as the gradual evolution of ties between the two nations. Referencing previous engagement and dialogue, the President described recent developments as important markers in a growing relationship that could extend beyond diplomacy into business, investment, and broader cooperation.
Speaking not only as a head of state but as a representative of his people, the President said he carried the gratitude of six million Somalilanders. He stressed that his presence in Jerusalem was not a personal achievement but the expression of a collective sentiment from citizens in Hargeisa and across Somaliland.
His remarks were particularly warm toward Israeli officials who had engaged with Somaliland despite political sensitivities. He singled out the foreign minister for praise, describing his visit to Hargeisa as an act of determination carried out “despite all odds.” The President also extended thanks to government ministers, business leaders, security officials, and all those who had contributed to strengthening bilateral ties.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, the speech conveyed a broader lesson about international relations: that recognition often begins not with formal agreements but with the willingness to listen, engage, and acknowledge another people’s aspirations.
In closing, the President returned to the theme that had run throughout his address—gratitude. Standing before his hosts, he offered a simple but powerful message on behalf of Somaliland:
“Today, I am not alone. I represent six million people who are thankful to the people and government of Israel.”
With those words, a visit presented as ceremonial became something more profound: a declaration that diplomacy is ultimately built on the human desire to be recognized, respected, and heard.
Read the Full Verbatim Speech Below:
Mr. President, Your Excellency President Isaac Herzog, Distinguished guest, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Somaliland, it is a profound honor for me to stand before you today at this state visit and to address you in person during what is truly a historic visit.
I wish at the outset to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptionally warm welcome, the dignity of the reception, and the spirit of friendship that has defined every moment of this visit.
The ceremony and the hospitality extended to our delegation reflects not only protocol, but a genuine gesture of respect between two peoples who seek to build a meaningful and forward-looking relationship.
The visit carries special significance. It is the first visit by President of the Republic of Somaliland to another country, and we are deeply appreciative that the State of Israel has chosen to receive us with such an honor on this historic occasion.
By doing so, Israel has taken part in a moment that will be remembered in a diplomatic history of our nation, and we do not take that gesture lightly.
We also recall with gratitude the early and continued engagement between our two countries. In Somaliland’s long journey since the restoration of its sovereignty following independence from Britain, we have valued those who have shown openness, courage and foresight in engaging with us.
We further note this appreciation the significance of Israeli engagement on 26 December 2025, which stands as an important marker in the evolving relationship between our two nations.
Today, I stand here to bring the greetings, the thanks, the appreciation of six million Somalilander Muslims in Hargeisa and elsewhere.
Today, I want to thank the government of Israel, the president, the prime minister, the foreign minister, who is a brave man, who came to our Hargeisa despite all odds.
Somaliland has been talking, has been reaching to the world leaders for the last 35 years. They were asking only one question. to see us. Only one country decided to see us, and he organized Somaliland, and that’s the government of Israel and its people.
Today, I am not alone. As I said, I represent six million people who are thankful to the people and government of Israel.
I say thank you. I want to thank my friend, the foreign minister, the former director of Mossad, the industry, the business people, government officials and ministers, and everyone who is on the table.
Thank you very much, Mr. President.