The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), received the credentials of the Israeli Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
Ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to the President, authorizing him to officially carry out his diplomatic duties—a step toward the implementation of diplomatic relations between the two sides.
President Cirro welcomed the Ambassador and congratulated him on his new appointment. He described the Ambassador’s arrival as a significant step toward strengthening the relationship and strategic cooperation between Somaliland and Israel, according to the Presidency.
The President stated that Somaliland seeks a relationship built on mutual respect, shared interests, and enduring cooperation—specifically in the areas of politics, trade, investment, security, economic infrastructure, and technology.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of Somaliland’s location, particularly its position along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, noting that this presents an opportunity for cooperation aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and security in the region. For his part, Ambassador Michael Lotem thanked the President for the welcome, stating that it is an honor for him to represent Israel in Somaliland.
He pledged to work toward advancing bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of security and defense cooperation, trade, investment, technology, healthcare, and education.
The exchange of credentials follows Israel’s announcement in December 2025 that it had recognized Somaliland, and its subsequent appointment of Michael Lotem in April 2026 as its first ambassador to the territory. Somaliland had previously appointed Mohamed Haji as its first ambassador to Israel; he presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in May 2026.
