HARGEISA (SLpost)- Relations between Somaliland and Israel have entered a new phase after an Israeli delegation reportedly presented Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro with a symbolic component linked to Israel’s Iron Dome defence system during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
The development was revealed in a lengthy report published by The Jewish Chronicle, which explored the rapidly growing diplomatic, security, and economic partnership between Somaliland and Israel following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025.
According to the report, the Israeli delegation also presented President Irro with a ceremonial menorah during the official meeting, underscoring what both sides described as an expanding strategic alliance.
The newspaper stated that cooperation between Somaliland and Israel now extends into security, intelligence, technology, trade, and diplomatic engagement, with Somaliland specialists and security personnel reportedly receiving training in Israel in recent months.
President Irro told the newspaper that Somaliland intends to deepen cooperation with Israel in multiple sectors, including defence and technology.
“We are building cooperation in security, trade, economics, and diplomacy,” President Irro reportedly said, adding that he hopes to visit Jerusalem officially later this year.
The report described Somaliland as a stable and democratic partner in the Horn of Africa and emphasized the territory’s strategic position along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, opposite Yemen and near key international maritime routes.
It also highlighted Somaliland’s close relationship with Western allies and portrayed Israel’s recognition as a major geopolitical shift in the region.
Foreign affairs adviser Jama Igal “Gaabuush,” who reportedly played a central role in the negotiations leading to recognition, told the newspaper that the partnership between Somaliland and Israel was built on “genuine friendship” and shared strategic interests.
The report further revealed that business relations and security cooperation between Somaliland and Israeli institutions have intensified during the past six months, with discussions reportedly covering regional security, investment opportunities, and maritime stability.
President Irro also dismissed criticism from countries opposing Somaliland’s ties with Israel, insisting that Somaliland would continue pursuing partnerships based on its national interests and sovereignty.
The Jewish Chronicle concluded that Somaliland’s growing relationship with Israel could influence broader international discussions surrounding Somaliland’s recognition campaign and its role in regional security dynamics across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
SOURCE: Somalilandpost.news
