President Isaac Herzog welcomed Somaliland’s first-ever ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Haji, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday, calling the moment the beginning of an important new partnership between the two countries.
“I was pleased to welcome this morning the first-ever ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Haji, who presented me with his credentials,” Herzog said.
Herzog noted that the ceremony also included a symbolic first at the President’s Residence.
“Ambassador Haji was also excited by our orchestra, which played the national anthem of Somaliland for the first time at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem,” he said.
“This new and important partnership between our countries will lead to a future of cooperation in a variety of fields – for the benefit of both our peoples and the entire region,” Herzog added.
Latest step in warming ties
The ceremony marked the latest step in the warming of ties between Israel and Somaliland. Last month, Israel’s cabinet confirmed Michael Lotem as Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, following the establishment of official relations between the sides in December 2025. Lotem is currently serving as a non-resident ambassador, reflecting the early phase of diplomatic engagement.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland in January in what was described as a historic diplomatic visit, and Somaliland announced in February that Haji would serve as its first ambassador to Israel.
The relationship also carries wider strategic significance. Somaliland’s location near the Red Sea and across from Yemen has drawn Israeli interest amid the continued threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis.
Somaliland officials have said cooperation with Israel could include security ties, intelligence gathering, and technology partnerships, while Netanyahu previously said Israel would seek immediate cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Korean, Vatican, Australian, Vietnamese ambassadors also present credentials to Herzog
At the same ceremony, the new ambassadors from the Republic of Korea, the Vatican's Apostolic Nuncio, Australia, and Vietnam also presented their credentials to Herzog.
Park In-ho, a former Air Force chief of staff of the Republic of Korea, switched careers from defense to diplomacy.
The Vatican’s new Apostolic Nuncio to Israel is Giorgio Lingua, while Australia sent Ambassador Neil Hawkins.
Additionally, the Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Ky Son was in attendance.
IN HIS meeting with the Korean ambassador, the president discussed changes in the region, the desire to upgrade relations, and the potential for increased cooperation in trade, science, and innovation.
When signing the guest book, the ambassador wrote in Hebrew “Korea ve’Am Israel Hai” (Korea and the People of Israel live).
Apostolic Nuncio Lingua has been a Holy See diplomat since 1992 and previously served as nuncio in Cuba and Croatia. Part of his mission is to clear up misunderstandings between Christians and Jews.
Attributing all forms of racism to people not being sufficiently informed, Herzog said, “We adamantly condemn any act of violence against Christians. It is unacceptable.”
The conversation also veered to Herzog’s visit to the Vatican last year, his meeting with Pope Leo, and their discussion on combating antisemitism.
While at the Vatican, Herzog, a voracious reader, visited the Vatican library, which he described as “amazing.”
For Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins, this was not his first meeting with the president. They had met previously during Herzog’s recent visit to Australia, and the discussion on Monday was conducted with typical Australian informality.
Turning to others in the room, Herzog said, “This guy knows more about the Negev than anyone in Israel. He’s been touring the country on foot.”
Hawkins told Herzog that he had left a very good impression in Australia.
Herzog responded that people tend to forget that Australian soldiers fought in pre-state Israel over a century ago and that Australia played a crucial role in Israel’s struggle for independence.
Nguyen Ky Son, who is primarily interested in developing closer ties with Israel in matters of technological and scientific research and innovation.
He and Herzog talked as much of the past as of the future, each dwelling briefly on the meeting in Paris in 1946 between Ho Chi Minh and David Ben-Gurion, two great leaders who were courting international support in achieving the independence of their respective countries.
Ho Chi Minh had offered Ben-Gurion the opportunity to establish the Jewish nation in exile in Vietnam. Ben-Gurion had preferred the ancient Jewish homeland.
Shir Perets contributed to this report.