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Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro held a high-profile meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, marking the most senior and public engagement between the two sides since Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state. The meeting has drawn regional and international attention, given Somaliland’s long-running quest for recognition and the political sensitivity surrounding Israel’s decision.
President Herzog confirmed the meeting through a social media post, describing it as a step toward formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland. He said he was pleased to meet President Irro in Davos and welcomed the establishment of ties between the two nations. Herzog added that he looks forward to strengthening cooperation in ways that would benefit both peoples, signaling Israel’s interest in building a long-term partnership with the self-declared state.
In a separate statement, the Somaliland administration said the talks covered a wide range of issues of mutual interest. According to officials, the two leaders discussed security and defense cooperation, as well as potential collaboration in technology, agriculture, water management, health services, energy, and mining. Regional stability and opportunities for cooperation in the Horn of Africa were also part of the discussions, reflecting shared concerns over security and development in a strategically important region.
President Irro’s appearance in Davos came as a surprise to many observers. His participation in the forum had not been announced in advance, and his travel plans only became public after he posted photos on social media showing himself boarding a plane carrying leaders to the Swiss resort. At the time, he did not disclose his destination or the purpose of the trip, adding to speculation before the meeting with the Israeli president was confirmed.
Israel remains the only country to have formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state. That recognition has been strongly rejected by Somalia, which views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory. Somalia has repeatedly said that Israel’s move and subsequent diplomatic engagements violate its sovereignty and international law. Several African, Arab, and Islamic organizations have also criticized Israel’s recognition, arguing that it undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and could set a controversial precedent in the region.
Somaliland officials say President Irro is expected to travel to Israel after the Davos forum. During that visit, authorities suggest he may formally sign the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-backed agreement framework that has normalized relations between Israel and several countries. If signed, the accords would open the door to expanded political, economic, and security cooperation between Israel and Somaliland. However, no official date or detailed agenda for the proposed visit has been publicly confirmed.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, it has operated as a self-governing entity with its own institutions, elections, security forces, and currency. Despite more than three decades of relative stability compared to southern and central Somalia, Somaliland has not received broad international recognition as a sovereign state. Its leaders have long argued that recognition would help attract investment, strengthen security partnerships, and formalize its role in regional and global affairs.
The meeting between Presidents Irro and Herzog highlights Somaliland’s continued efforts to gain international legitimacy through high-level diplomatic engagements. For Israel, the relationship offers a foothold in the Horn of Africa, a region of growing strategic importance due to its proximity to key shipping routes and ongoing security challenges. As reactions continue to unfold, the meeting underscores the complex political dynamics surrounding Somaliland’s status and the broader implications of Israel’s recognition for the region.