Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has actively sought to position his breakaway region as a viable business hub during recent talks with Eric Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The discussions, part of efforts to secure international investment and recognition, spotlighted Somaliland's potential in the livestock and agriculture sectors.
In a statement reflecting on the meeting, President Abdullahi noted, 'Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel.' This comes on the heels of Israel becoming the first country to recognize Somaliland's independence, a significant milestone since its split from Somalia in 1991.
Abdirahman Bayle, an advisor to the President, revealed that Eric Trump showed a keen interest in the opportunities available in Somaliland, particularly in industrializing the livestock sector for global exports. The region is renowned for its livestock trade, predominantly shipping to Saudi Arabia.
Trump, who plays a senior role in the family business without holding any official governmental position, engaged in talks that are seen as pivotal for Somaliland, as it pivots away from reliance on foreign aid to a more investment-driven approach. 'For the first time, we are not asking the world for aid, we are offering our resources,' Bayle added.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi also emphasized Somaliland's strategic geographical position along major shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, presenting its deep-water port of Berbera as a potential logistics hub for trade and energy infrastructure.
The meeting underscores Somaliland's ongoing diplomacy, aiming to leverage its newfound recognition from Israel to attract global investment and establish itself firmly on the international stage.
