The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, received credentials from Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
Ambassador Michael Lotem thereby became Israel’s diplomatic representative to Somaliland, as part of the formal operationalization of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The Somaliland Presidential schedule had previously designated a ceremony for receiving the ambassador’s credentials, following Israel’s appointment of Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland in April 2026.
The President of Somaliland welcomed the ambassador, congratulating him on his assignment.
Irro stated that the ambassador’s arrival is vital for strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
According to a press release from the Presidential Palace, the President emphasized that Somaliland seeks relations built on mutual respect, shared interests, and enduring partnership.
He further noted that intended cooperation encompasses political alignment, economic infrastructure, trade, investment, security, and technology.
Irro also highlighted Somaliland’s strategic geostrategic position, particularly along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime corridors, framing it as an opportunity for joint collaboration on regional peace, stability, and maritime security.
On his part, Ambassador Michael Lotem expressed gratitude to the President for the reception, stating it was an honor to represent Israel in Somaliland.
Lotem pledged to advance bilateral ties, specifically across defense and security, trade, investment, technology, healthcare, and education.
He stated that this cooperation could yield practical, mutually beneficial results.
Official diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Israel commenced following Israel’s announcement recognizing Somaliland on December 26, 2025.
This step was succeeded by a visit from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeisa in January 2026, and the subsequent appointment of Michael Lotem as Israel’s first envoy to Somaliland.
However, Israel’s move sparked fierce rejection from the Federal Government of Somalia, which maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of the territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Additionally, several international actors and organizations expressed concern over the potential impact of this recognition on Horn of Africa stability.
The formal presentation of credentials marks another milestone demonstrating that relations between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv are transitioning from initial diplomatic declarations toward formal bilateral engagement involving diplomatic representation and multi-sectoral cooperation plans.