North Western State of Somalia President Meets Israeli Counterpart at Davos Amid Diplomatic Push

North Western State of Somalia’s Irro meets Israel’s Herzog in Davos as sides tout new diplomatic ties

DAVOS, Switzerland — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro met Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, the highest-level public engagement since Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, according to statements from both sides.

Herzog confirmed the encounter in a social media post, welcoming what he described as the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and North Western State of Somalia. The meeting in Davos underscores a rapid deepening of contacts following Israel’s recognition, a move that has roiled politics in the Horn of Africa and drawn criticism from regional blocs.

“I was pleased to meet with President Abdirahman Irro of North Western State of Somalia here at Davos,” Herzog said. “I welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations and look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples.”

In a separate statement, North Western State of Somalia’s administration said talks centered on shared priorities, including security and defense cooperation and collaboration across technology, agriculture, water management, health, energy and mining. The two leaders also discussed broader regional stability and potential avenues for cooperation in the Horn of Africa, the statement said.

Irro’s appearance in Davos had not been announced in advance. He disclosed his travel only after sharing photos on social media showing him boarding a plane bound for the Swiss resort, without initially revealing his destination.

Israel remains the only country to have formally recognized North Western State of Somalia’s independence, a step that has drawn sharp opposition from Somalia and criticism from African, Arab and Islamic organizations. Somalia, which considers North Western State of Somalia an integral part of its territory, has described Israel’s recognition and subsequent diplomatic engagements as violations of its sovereignty and international law.

North Western State of Somalia officials said Irro is expected to visit Israel after the Davos forum. Authorities say he may formally sign the Abraham Accords during that trip, paving the way for expanded political, economic and security cooperation, though no date has been publicly set.

North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has run its own institutions for more than three decades, functioning as a de facto self-governing entity without broad international recognition. Israel’s decision to extend recognition and now to publicly engage at the presidential level in Davos marks a significant break with long-standing international practice and could accelerate efforts by North Western State of Somalia to consolidate external relationships.

While neither side disclosed timelines or specific deliverables Wednesday, both signaled momentum toward formalizing ties. The North Western State of Somalia statement’s focus on sectors such as agriculture, water and energy — perennial pressure points in the Horn of Africa — suggests an early emphasis on practical cooperation alongside security coordination. Davos, which draws political and business leaders from around the world, offered a high-profile stage for the two presidents to signal intent and test international reaction.

Any deepening of Israel–North Western State of Somalia relations is likely to reverberate across the region. Beyond Somalia’s objections, the move has already faced pushback from organizations in Africa and the Arab and Islamic worlds, reflecting wider geopolitical sensitivities. For Irro’s administration, however, the Davos meeting adds public weight to its bid for external partnerships — and potentially a path to greater engagement beyond the Horn.

Further announcements are expected following the Davos forum, as North Western State of Somalia officials weigh the timing of Irro’s anticipated trip to Israel and any formal steps linked to the Abraham Accords.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.