Somaliland’s First-Ever Ambassador Presents Credentials to President Herzog

President Isaac Herzog received the credentials this morning (Monday) at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem from five incoming ambassadors, including, for the first time, Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel. Alongside Somaliland’s ambassador, the ambassadors of South Korea, the Vatican, Vietnam, and Australia also presented their credentials as part of a series of official ceremonies held at the President’s Residence.

The most notable moment of the ceremonies was the reception for Dr. Mohamed Haji, who will serve as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel. This marked the first time in Israel that a ceremony was held for the presentation of credentials by a Somaliland representative to the president, following Israel’s recognition of the country.

Upon receiving the credentials, President Herzog congratulated Somaliland on its decision to open an embassy in Israel and called the move a milestone in relations between the two countries. Herzog added: “It is a great honor to receive Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, as we continue to advance our warm and positive relations with the countries of Africa.”

Herzog continued: “The tremendous joy of the people of Somaliland over Israel’s recognition of your state warmed our hearts. I think this is a unique opportunity to develop dialogue with Muslim countries as well, which are so important in the region. You face many challenges, and we are here to assist and help in every field—from food security to energy to science—so that together we may enjoy prosperity.”

Incoming Somaliland Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Haji told the president: “It is an honor for me to be here today. I deeply appreciate your warm welcome here. We have built a great relationship, a strategic relationship that will pave the way forward in many areas, at every level—whether in development, diplomatic cooperation, security cooperation, and of course also the connection between our peoples.”

Later in his remarks, the ambassador said that “the people of Somaliland deeply appreciate the fact that Israel was the first country to recognize Somaliland in 1960, and again, after 35 years of independence and sovereignty, Israel was once again the first country to recognize Somaliland. Our relationship is unique because it is not only about two governments, but also about the people of Israel and the people of Somaliland. You can see many Israeli flags in Somaliland, and people waving them in the streets and in rural areas as well.”

As is customary during credential presentation ceremonies at the President’s Residence, upon the ambassadors’ arrival, the national anthem of each of their countries was played by the IDF Orchestra, after which the ambassadors reviewed the honor guard in the ceremonial plaza. The ambassadors later held personal meetings with the president, signed the guest book at the President’s Residence, and the ceremonies concluded with the playing of the national anthem, “*Hatikvah*.”