The historic visit of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to Israel concludes Thursday, marking a major milestone in the budding relationship between the two nations. Accompanying the president was a high-level delegation that included government ministers and Somaliland’s military chief of staff.

Among the key architects of the growing partnership is Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan, who expressed confidence that the establishment of formal diplomatic ties with Israel would pave the way for broader international recognition of Somaliland, a self-governing territory strategically located in the Horn of Africa.

Speaking to Kan News during the visit, Adan said Israel’s decision to establish full diplomatic relations, open an embassy, and host the Somaliland president on an official state visit would encourage other countries to follow suit.

“Now, with the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Israel, through the opening of an embassy and by inviting the president as part of an official delegation from Somaliland, this will open the door for others to follow Israel’s lead,” Adan said. “I am confident of that.”

The foreign minister described the most emotional moment of the trip as the official ceremonies with Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

“Hearing Somaliland’s national anthem played and seeing our flag raised was a moment I will never forget,” Adan said. “It was extremely emotional.”

The visit has drawn criticism from several Arab and Muslim nations aligned with Somalia, which continues to oppose Somaliland’s quest for international recognition. Adan dismissed the criticism sharply.

“There is no need to waste time and energy on a failed state like Somalia, which controls little beyond Mogadishu,” he said. “The rest of the territory is controlled by the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab. They are not in a position to criticize anyone. They should focus on their own problems.”

Asked whether the strengthening relationship could eventually include an Israeli military presence in Somaliland to help counter threats in the Red Sea region, particularly from the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Adan did not rule out the possibility.

“The relationship between Israel and Somaliland is open,” he said. “We can discuss anything we believe is important to both sides. We can cooperate, they can assist us, and we can assist them.”

He added that future cooperation could extend across multiple sectors, including security and economic development.

“We can work together in any field that serves the mutual interests of our two countries, whether economically or in the area of security,” Adan said.

Concluding the interview, Adan delivered a message of gratitude to Israel and its citizens.

“To the Government of Israel and the Israeli people, as a citizen of Somaliland and as its foreign minister, we will forever be grateful for what you have done for us,” he said.

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