Israel approves first Somaliland ambassador and expands cooperation

Israel said on Wednesday evening that the government had approved the appointment of the first ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, about two months after Tel Aviv announced it had formally recognised the breakaway region in the Horn of Africa.

In a statement posted on its official English-language account on the social media platform X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added: “An Israeli Ambassador to Somaliland will soon be appointed – an additional step in strengthening relations between the two countries.”   

The ministry said the appointed ambassador is Dr Mohammed Haji, an adviser to the President of Somaliland. It described him as “a member of the inner circle of officials who promoted the establishment of relations between Israel and Somaliland throughout 2025.”   

It added that the approval follows the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland on 26 December 2025, and is in line with understandings reached during a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Somaliland last month.

The statement also noted that the ministry’s International Cooperation Centre is this week organising a training course for Somaliland’s Water Authority and the director general of its Ministry of Water. “The course is intended to assist in the construction, development, and planning of the water sector in Somaliland, and to strengthen professional cooperation between the sides,” the statement said.   

READ: African Union urges Israel to withdraw recognition of Somaliland