Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland formally presents credentials in Hargeisa
Michael Lotem, Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, had his credentials accepted by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at a ceremony that also saw the cornerstone laid for an Israeli embassy.
By Liam Kaminski ·
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland presented his credentials to the breakaway territory's president last week, the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Israel remains the only country in the world to have recognised Somaliland, an autonomous region in northern Somalia that declared independence in 1991. The territory also maintains substantial economic ties with the United Arab Emirates.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi formally accepted the credentials of Ambassador Michael Lotem at a ceremony in Hargeisa, the territory's capital. Officials at the event also laid the cornerstone for a new Israeli embassy.
The Israeli foreign ministry described the ceremony as "another important step in strengthening relations between Israel and Somaliland, following their mutual recognition on 26 December 2025".
Relations between the two sides have grown steadily since Israel extended its recognition. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has travelled to Somaliland, while Somaliland opened an embassy in west Jerusalem during a visit by Abdullahi in June.
"Israel is determined to develop and strengthen its relations with Somaliland," Saar said following the credential presentation. Abdullahi noted during the ceremony that it was the first time a Somaliland president had received the credentials of an ambassador from a UN member state recognising its independence. Lotem said Israel's recognition acknowledged what Somaliland had built over 35 years rather than serving as a mere diplomatic formality.
The two governments are also in talks about the possibility of Israel building a naval base on Somaliland's Red Sea coast, which lies close to the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab strait.
Speaking in Hargeisa, Abdullahi pointed to the territory's geographic importance. "Given our strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, our cooperation also carries important regional and international significance," he said. "Let me reaffirm that Somaliland approaches this relationship with genuine strategic commitment and a long-term perspective."
Berbera, Somaliland's commercial capital, sits at the heart of that strategic value. The main port there is operated by DP World, the Emirati logistics company, in a partnership with the British government's foreign investment arm, and the UAE also maintains a military base in the city.
Source: Middle East Eye
