Hargeisa - The Government of Israel has announced on 26th December 2025 its official recognition of the independence of the Republic of Somaliland, according to a statement released on Thursday following a high-level virtual meeting between leaders of the two sides.

The announcement came after a video conference held on 26 December 2025 between the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. During the meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu formally conveyed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, the statement said.

The talks reportedly reflected broad political, diplomatic, and strategic understanding between the two sides. According to the communiqué, both leaders affirmed Somaliland’s right to full recognition and sovereign statehood, and agreed to open a new chapter of cooperation and strengthened bilateral relations.

The recognition was described as a historic milestone for Somaliland, with officials noting that it could pave the way for expanded cooperation in areas including security, economic development, technology, and diplomacy. Somaliland authorities said the move would also reinforce the territory’s role in promoting peace, stability, and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

As part of the discussions, Prime Minister Netanyahu extended an official invitation to President Cirro to visit Israel. The proposed visit would focus on advancing bilateral interests and identifying priority areas for cooperation between the two governments.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government, security institutions, and democratic processes. While it has long sought international recognition, Israel’s announcement—if followed by formal diplomatic steps—would mark one of the most significant developments in Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement to date.