Somaliland’s president used a global economic gathering to highlight the region’s investment potential and solidify diplomatic ties, underscoring a shift from seeking aid to offering opportunities.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met separately with Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, and US businessman Eric Trump to discuss trade, investment, and long-term cooperation.
“Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel,” Abdullahi wrote on X following the meeting with Herzog.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last month marked a historic step, coming more than 30 years after the territory declared independence from Somalia. Abdullahi, popularly known as “Cirro,” posted photos from the closed-door session, reportedly organised by the Greek House Davos programme, which hosts private meetings for high-level leaders.
According to Abdirahman Bayle, an advisor to the president, Eric Trump showed interest in Somaliland’s economic landscape.
“Among the issues we discussed were global investors in the livestock and agriculture sectors, so that we can industrialise these sectors and export to the rest of the world,” Bayle said.
Livestock exports, mainly destined for Saudi Arabia, are central to Somaliland’s economy. Eric Trump is a senior executive at the Trump Organization and does not hold a formal US government role. His representatives have yet to comment on the discussions.
The president highlighted Somaliland’s strategic position along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and presented the deep-water port of Berbera as a gateway for trade and energy projects.
Bayle said the government was taking a new approach internationally.
“For the first time, we are not asking the world for aid,” he said. “We are offering our resources.”
Israel’s president described the engagements as productive.
“I was pleased to meet here in Davos with the President of Somaliland.
I welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between us and look forward to deepening cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples.”
Earlier in January, Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, visited Somaliland and emphasised the country’s commitment to developing relations “with momentum.”
Since breaking away from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has run its own elections, issued a separate currency, and established security forces, maintaining stability compared with southern Somalia.
Despite its self-rule, Somaliland’s independence was only recently recognised internationally. Israel’s decision sparked criticism from Somalia, the African Union, China, and Turkey, all of whom argued it breached Somalia’s territorial integrity. The US defended Israel, accusing critics of double standards.
