In a powerful and emotional moment, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana declared “This is an exciting and special day for us” as he formally hosted the Republic of Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) in the first-ever official visit by a Somaliland president to Israel and the Knesset.
The landmark event took place just one day after Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem. President Irro arrived at the Knesset accompanied by a senior delegation that included his Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Energy, and Water.
Speaking during the official welcoming ceremony, Speaker Ohana said:
“This is an exciting and special day for us: the first official political visit by a President of Somaliland in history is taking place here in Israel and in the Knesset. Welcome! The opening of the Somaliland Embassy in Jerusalem yesterday is an important and meaningful step.”
President Irro, visibly moved, wrote in the Knesset guestbook:
“This is a historic moment for me. My deepest gratitude and appreciation go to you, on behalf of all 6.5 million citizens of Somaliland.”
The visit marks a dramatic breakthrough in relations between Israel and Somaliland, the independent republic in the Horn of Africa. Both sides described the occasion as a new chapter of friendship, strategic cooperation, and mutual support on the international stage.
This historic reception has been warmly celebrated by supporters as a bold and significant step forward in Israel-Africa ties.