Israel Moves to Establish Permanent Diplomatic Presence in Hargeisa
Hargeisa (SLpost)- Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, has formally presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, marking a new milestone in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The ceremony took place last week at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, where Lotem presented his diplomatic credentials to the Somaliland president.
The announcement of this event was delayed amid Israel’s election process, with the formal confirmation coming only after the diplomatic arrangements had progressed. The presentation of credentials now marks the official start of Ambassador Lotem’s diplomatic mission in Somaliland.
The occasion was followed by a cornerstone-laying ceremony for Israel’s new embassy in Hargeisa, signalling further progress in establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Somaliland.
The developments come after Israel became the first UN member state to recognise Somaliland on December 26, 2025, opening a new chapter in relations between the two sides.
Israel’s appointment of Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland marked an important step in formalising diplomatic relations between the two sides following their mutual recognition agreement.
The presentation of his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi represents further progress in implementing that diplomatic arrangement. The subsequent cornerstone-laying ceremony for Israel’s new embassy in Hargeisa also signals the country’s move towards establishing a permanent diplomatic mission in Somaliland.
Since the announcement, diplomatic engagement has continued to expand. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar made a historic visit to Somaliland in January 2026, while Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem in June 2026 during President Abdullahi’s visit to Israel.
In a statement published by Israeli foreign ministry following the presentation of credentials, Sa’ar said Israel remained committed to strengthening its relations with Somaliland.
“Israel is determined to develop and strengthen its relations with Somaliland,” he said.
He added that the appointment of ambassadors, in line with the agreement reached when the two sides established mutual recognition, represented another important step towards deepening bilateral ties.
The establishment of diplomatic missions in both countries is expected to provide a formal framework for cooperation and closer engagement between the two sides.
The latest developments highlight the continued expansion of diplomatic relations between Hargeisa and Jerusalem, following the historic recognition.
