Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has been actively engaging in discussions with key figures at the World Economic Forum in Davos, including Eric Trump, son of the former U.S. president, as part of efforts to attract foreign investment to the self-declared republic.
Abdullahi's talks with Trump focused on the potential for strengthening ties with the United States and promoting business opportunities in Somaliland, particularly in agriculture and livestock sectors which represent a significant part of the region's economy.
During these discussions, which occurred alongside a meeting with Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, Abdullahi expressed Somaliland's intention to move beyond seeking aid to offering its resources for investment.
We discussed global investments, especially in livestock and agriculture sectors, with the aim of industrializing these sectors and enabling exports to the wider world, said Abdirahman Bayle, an advisor to the President.
This outreach comes after Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland, marking a significant step in the region's quest for international standing, a move that has faced criticism from nearby Somalia as well as other entities concerned about territorial integrity.
Abdullahi emphasized Somaliland's strategic role due to its location on key shipping routes and pointed out the potential of the Berbera port as a logistic hub.
The discussions with Eric Trump highlight the burgeoning relationships Somaliland is seeking as it ventures into offering investment opportunities rather than solely relying on foreign aid.