Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland has credentials accepted

Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to the territory's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. This marks Israel's continued strengthening of ties with the autonomous region, which it recognized as independent in December 2025. Israel is the only country to have recognized Somaliland, a relationship that has seen further development since.

The presentation of credentials was accompanied by the laying of the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy in Hargeisa. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized Israel's determination to develop relations with Somaliland during the ceremony. Somaliland President Abdullahi noted that this was the first time a Somaliland president had received an ambassador's credentials from a UN member state recognizing its independence.

The two nations are discussing the possibility of Israel building a naval base on Somaliland's Red Sea coast, close to the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab strait. Somaliland's strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is highlighted by Abdullahi, who reaffirmed his country's commitment to the relationship with Israel.