Israel's Ambassador Presents Credentials in Somaliland, Cornerstone Laid for Embassy

By ישראל זאב לוונטהל לוונטהל

Translated & summarized from JDN by baba

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Israel's Ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamud Abdullahi in Hargeisa, where the cornerstone for a new Israeli embassy was laid. This event strengthens diplomatic ties established when the two nations recognized each other on December 26, 2025. Following mutual recognition, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visited Somaliland in January 2026, and Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem in June.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Ambassador Michael Lotem presented credentials to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamud Abdullahi.
The cornerstone was laid for a new Israeli embassy in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Israel and Somaliland established diplomatic relations on December 26, 2025.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visited Somaliland in January 2026.
Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem in June following its president's visit to Israel.

Israel's Ambassador Presents Credentials in Somaliland, Cornerstone Laid for Embassy — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel's Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his letter of credence to President Abdirahman Mohamud Abdullahi last week during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. Following the ceremony, the cornerstone was laid for the new Israeli embassy to be established in the city. The presentation of credentials marks another step in solidifying diplomatic ties between Israel and Somaliland, which recognized each other on December 26, 2025. Since their mutual recognition, state visits have taken place and steps have been taken to expand relations. In January 2026, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visited Somaliland, and in June, Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem during a visit by its president to Israel. Foreign Minister Sa'ar stated, "Israel is determined to advance and establish relations with Somaliland. The appointment of ambassadors in accordance with the agreement reached during the mutual recognition between the countries is another important building block in strengthening our relations."