Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar delivered a clear and confident message during his historic visit to Hargeisa, marking Israel’s first official diplomatic mission to Somaliland following their mutual recognition on December 26, 2025. The visit underscored Israel’s unwavering commitment to an independent foreign policy and its determination to expand strategic partnerships based on shared interests, not external pressure.

Calling the visit “a great honor,” Sa’ar confirmed that he traveled to Somaliland at the invitation of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, engaging in wide-ranging discussions with the president and senior officials. Talks focused on the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including diplomacy, economic cooperation, security coordination, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Sa’ar emphasized that the establishment of diplomatic ties between Israel and Somaliland is not directed against any third party. Instead, he stressed that the shared objective is to promote prosperity, security, and opportunity for both nations and their people. He reiterated that Israel alone determines whom it recognizes and with whom it maintains diplomatic relations, rejecting any attempts by outside actors to influence sovereign Israeli decision-making.

During meetings in Hargeisa, Sa’ar also announced that Somaliland’s president has accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s invitation to make an official visit to Israel, signaling momentum toward deeper institutional ties, including the eventual establishment of embassies and formal diplomatic missions.

The outreach represents a significant strategic development in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which has functioned as a stable and self-governing state for decades despite limited international recognition, gains a major diplomatic ally in Israel. For Israel, the partnership strengthens its regional presence, opens new economic and security channels, and offers a counterweight to destabilizing influences, including Iranian activity across key maritime and trade corridors.

Sa’ar’s visit sends a broader message beyond the region: Israel will continue to pursue pragmatic diplomacy rooted in national interest, mutual respect, and sovereignty. As opposition voices attempt to challenge Israel’s right to choose its partners, Jerusalem’s engagement with Somaliland reflects confidence, clarity, and a forward-looking strategy in an increasingly complex global landscape.