First Official Somaliland Delegation Arrives in Israel Following Recognition
Historic Visit Marks New Ties
In a significant diplomatic development, an official civil delegation from Somaliland will visit Israel in January 2026. This marks the first delegation from Somaliland following Israel’s recognition of the region, aiming to foster civil, educational, and political ties, as well as combat antisemitism.
Educational and Professional Agenda
During their visit, the delegation will participate in an extensive educational program in Israel, which will include an introduction to Jewish history and the state of Israel. The itinerary encompasses meetings with government institutions, civil society, academia, and sectors focused on innovation and technology. Key interactions are also planned with prominent figures in both the political and regional spheres.
Vision for Expanded Abraham Accords
Sharaka, an Arab non-profit organization established in 2020 following the Abraham Accords, perceives this delegation as a reflection of its vision to expand the spirit of these agreements beyond formal contracts and create new precedents for civil partnerships between Israel and other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. The delegation will include influential figures from Somaliland’s civil and academic sectors, such as opinion leaders, academics, diplomats, civil society activists, media professionals, women leaders, and social changemakers, along with economists and social entrepreneurs playing central roles in public, institutional, and international arenas.
Support and Initiatives
The program is supported by the Claims Conference under the auspstarts of the “Memory, Responsibility, and Future” foundation, in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of Finance. Sharaka’s goal is to establish interpersonal diplomacy as a basis for long-term regional partnerships.
This initiative illustrates the growing collaboration and engagement opportunities between Israel and Somaliland, signaling a new chapter in their bilateral relations.