HARGEISA — President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” and his delegation have returned to Hargeisa following a high-profile visit to Switzerland, where they attended the annual World Economic Forum in Davos.
The trip was marked by a significant diplomatic development as President Irro met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday on the sidelines of the forum. This encounter represents the highest-level public engagement between the two sides since reports emerged of Israel recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.
“Diplomatic Relations” Established
President Herzog confirmed the meeting in a statement on social media, explicitly welcoming what he described as the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Somaliland.
“I was pleased to meet with President Abdirahman Irro of Somaliland here at Davos,” Herzog stated. “I welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations and look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples”.
In a separate statement, the Somaliland administration indicated that the talks focused on areas of shared interest, including security and defense cooperation. The leaders also discussed collaboration in technology, agriculture, water management, health, energy, and mining, as well as prospects for broader stability in the Horn of Africa.
Advocating for Recognition
During various sessions with international leaders and investors in Davos, President Irro presented the case for Somaliland’s recognition to a select group of attendees. According to sources close to the administration, he outlined arguments regarding the region’s legal, historical, and political rights to be accepted within the global community.
President Irro’s presence in Davos had not been announced in advance, he revealed his travel plans only after posting photographs on social media showing him boarding a plane, without initially disclosing his destination.
Potential Visit to Israel
Following the engagement in Switzerland, Somaliland officials have indicated that President Irro is expected to travel to Israel. Authorities state that during this potential visit, he may formally sign the Abraham Accords, paving the way for expanded political, economic, and security cooperation, though no date has been publicly confirmed.
Israel remains the only country to have formally recognized Somaliland, a move that has drawn sharp opposition from the Federal Government of Somalia and criticism from various African, Arab, and Islamic organizations. Mogadishu considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory and views these engagements as violations of its sovereignty and international law.
