Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has taken bold steps to reestablish and enhance international relations during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In a series of meetings, he engaged with Israel's President Isaac Herzog and Eric Trump, the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump. As Somaliland continues its efforts to gain international recognition and attract foreign investments, these discussions are pivotal.
Abdullahi stated, 'Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.' Notably, Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia 35 years ago, a hugely impactful gesture in the region's political landscape.
During his talks with Eric Trump, the Somaliland President highlighted the potential for investment in agriculture and livestock, crucial sectors for the self-governing region. 'We discussed global investors in the livestock and agriculture sectors to industrialize these areas and export to the rest of the world,' said Abdullahi's advisor, Abdirahman Bayle.
Livestock remains Somaliland's primary export, particularly to Saudi Arabia, and the President has indicated a strategic openness to investment, including the development of the deep-water port of Berbera as a logistics hub for trade.
While Eric Trump does not hold an official U.S. government position, he plays a significant role in the Trump Organization and has reportedly shown interest in the opportunities Somaliland presents.
Emphasizing its shift in approach, Bayle remarked, 'For the first time, we are not asking the world for aid; we are offering our resources.' Israel's President Herzog echoed positive sentiments about the meeting, looking forward to further cooperation for mutual benefit.
Somaliland's quest for recognition has sparked controversy, particularly from Somalia and other nations concerned about potential violations of territorial integrity. However, the U.S. has defended Israel's actions, amidst a particularly charged geopolitical backdrop as Somaliland walks a path towards greater sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency.
Abdullahi stated, 'Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.' Notably, Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia 35 years ago, a hugely impactful gesture in the region's political landscape.
During his talks with Eric Trump, the Somaliland President highlighted the potential for investment in agriculture and livestock, crucial sectors for the self-governing region. 'We discussed global investors in the livestock and agriculture sectors to industrialize these areas and export to the rest of the world,' said Abdullahi's advisor, Abdirahman Bayle.
Livestock remains Somaliland's primary export, particularly to Saudi Arabia, and the President has indicated a strategic openness to investment, including the development of the deep-water port of Berbera as a logistics hub for trade.
While Eric Trump does not hold an official U.S. government position, he plays a significant role in the Trump Organization and has reportedly shown interest in the opportunities Somaliland presents.
Emphasizing its shift in approach, Bayle remarked, 'For the first time, we are not asking the world for aid; we are offering our resources.' Israel's President Herzog echoed positive sentiments about the meeting, looking forward to further cooperation for mutual benefit.
Somaliland's quest for recognition has sparked controversy, particularly from Somalia and other nations concerned about potential violations of territorial integrity. However, the U.S. has defended Israel's actions, amidst a particularly charged geopolitical backdrop as Somaliland walks a path towards greater sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency.
