Somaliland's First-Ever Ambassador Presents Credentials to Herzog

Dr. Mohamed Hagi presented his diplomatic credentials to President Isaac Herzog on Monday, becoming Somaliland’s first ambassador to any foreign country.

Hagi’s appointment follows Israel’s decision in December to recognize Somaliland’s independence, making it the only country in the world to do so. Somaliland declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991 and has sought international recognition for more than three decades.

Hagi was appointed ambassador in February. He had previously served as an adviser to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and was involved in building ties between Israel and Somaliland.

His presentation of credentials at the President’s Residence marks a significant step in the new relationship between the two sides. Somaliland has been seeking diplomatic partners as part of its campaign for recognition, while Israel has looked to expand ties in Africa and the Red Sea region.

Somaliland’s location near the Gulf of Aden and the entrance to the Red Sea gives it strategic importance, particularly amid rising instability around the Horn of Africa, Yemen, and maritime routes connected to the Red Sea.

The new ambassadors of the Vatican, Australia, South Korea and Vietnam also presented their credentials to Herzog on Monday.