The president of Somaliland has held separate talks with his Israeli counterpart, as well as the second son of the US leader, as the breakaway region continues to seek international recognition and foreign investment.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met Isaac Herzog and businessman Eric Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 'Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel,' Abdullahi said in a post on X about the meeting with Herzog.
Last month, Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland - 35 years after it declared independence from Somalia. President 'Cirro', as he is known in Somaliland, shared images on social media of the closed-door event, which was reportedly organised by the Greek House Davos programme, a private forum for discreet high-level gatherings.
Abdirahman Bayle, an advisor to Somaliland's leader, told the BBC that Eric Trump had 'expressed interest in Somaliland and the opportunities it offers.' Among the issues discussed were global investors in the livestock and agriculture sectors, which are crucial for Somaliland's economy.
Eric Trump does not hold any official US government position but has a senior role in the Trump Organization, which runs the family’s businesses. Somaliland, located strategically on major Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes, is advocating for investment rather than aid, emphasizing opportunities in their resources.
During the talks, President Abdullahi pointed to the deep-water port of Berbera as a potential logistics hub for trade and energy infrastructure. The shift in Somaliland's approach represents a growing confidence as it looks to establish itself on the global stage following Israel's recognition.
Israel's President described the talks as positive, stating he looked forward to deepening cooperation. Somaliland has maintained relative stability compared to much of southern Somalia, despite its independence not being recognized internationally until Israel's recent breakthrough. This recognition drew mixed reactions from the African Union and various countries, while the US defended Israel against critiques of double standards.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met Isaac Herzog and businessman Eric Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 'Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel,' Abdullahi said in a post on X about the meeting with Herzog.
Last month, Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland - 35 years after it declared independence from Somalia. President 'Cirro', as he is known in Somaliland, shared images on social media of the closed-door event, which was reportedly organised by the Greek House Davos programme, a private forum for discreet high-level gatherings.
Abdirahman Bayle, an advisor to Somaliland's leader, told the BBC that Eric Trump had 'expressed interest in Somaliland and the opportunities it offers.' Among the issues discussed were global investors in the livestock and agriculture sectors, which are crucial for Somaliland's economy.
Eric Trump does not hold any official US government position but has a senior role in the Trump Organization, which runs the family’s businesses. Somaliland, located strategically on major Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes, is advocating for investment rather than aid, emphasizing opportunities in their resources.
During the talks, President Abdullahi pointed to the deep-water port of Berbera as a potential logistics hub for trade and energy infrastructure. The shift in Somaliland's approach represents a growing confidence as it looks to establish itself on the global stage following Israel's recognition.
Israel's President described the talks as positive, stating he looked forward to deepening cooperation. Somaliland has maintained relative stability compared to much of southern Somalia, despite its independence not being recognized internationally until Israel's recent breakthrough. This recognition drew mixed reactions from the African Union and various countries, while the US defended Israel against critiques of double standards.
