Israel's UN Envoy Meets Somaliland President, Eyes UN Membership

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamud Abdillahi in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed expanding diplomatic ties and deepening cooperation between their nations.

Danon expressed his belief that Somaliland will eventually gain voting rights at the UN, stating, "Soon the day will come when Somaliland also votes at the UN." This statement carries symbolic weight given Somaliland's current status as a non-member state of the UN, requiring a formal process involving Security Council recommendation and General Assembly approval for membership.

The meeting highlights the growing relationship between Israel and Somaliland, which began with Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025. Since then, official diplomatic relations have developed, including Somaliland opening an embassy in Jerusalem. The Somaliland president previously visited Israel in June, meeting with President Isaac Herzog.

Despite the strengthening ties, the relationship faces international controversy, with Somalia opposing Somaliland's independence and considering the territory part of its own nation. This dispute has been presented in UN discussions following Israel's recognition.

The New York meeting underscores both Israel and Somaliland's intent to leverage the diplomatic gathering to further build their bilateral relationship and advance Somaliland's aspiration for broader international recognition and full integration into international institutions.