Israel marks Somaliland Independence Day, receiving its first ambassador in Jerusalem

Israel formally welcomed Somaliland's first ambassador to the country on Monday, as President Isaac Herzog received the letter of credence from Dr. Mohamed Hagi and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted the diplomat at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.

The visit coincided with Somaliland's Independence Day, which the country marks on May 18 to commemorate its declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991.

"Another significant day on the path we are paving together," Sa'ar said following the meeting at the Foreign Ministry. "I was pleased to host at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem the first Ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi."

Sa'ar said he had congratulated Hagi on presenting his letter of credence to the President and on Somaliland's Independence Day.

"I will continue to build the relations with Somaliland," the Foreign Minister added.

Israel in December 2025 became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, opening the door to full diplomatic relations between the two countries. The exchange of ambassadors marks the most visible diplomatic step yet to follow that recognition.

Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated its own government, currency, and security forces. The country has long sought formal international recognition.

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