In a significant diplomatic offensive at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the breakaway republic of Somaliland has engaged in high-level discussions with both Israeli leadership and Eric Trump, signaling a strategic pivot toward international recognition and economic investment. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, colloquially known as ‘Cirro,’ conducted separate meetings with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Trump Organization executive Eric Trump, marking a continuation of Somaliland’s global outreach campaign.
The presidential office confirmed that bilateral relations with Israel dominated discussions with President Herzog, building upon last month’s historic recognition of Somaliland by Israel—the first nation to formally acknowledge its sovereignty since its 1991 declaration of independence from Somalia. This diplomatic breakthrough has triggered objections from Somalia, the African Union, China, and Turkey, who maintain that the recognition violates Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Simultaneously, President Abdullahi engaged Eric Trump—senior figure within the Trump family’s business empire—in talks focused on economic opportunities. According to presidential advisor Abdirahman Bayle, Trump demonstrated particular interest in Somaliland’s livestock and agricultural sectors, with discussions centering on industrializing these industries for global export. Notably, Bayle emphasized Somaliland’s transformed approach: ‘For the first time, we are not asking the world for aid. We are offering our resources.’
The strategically located territory, positioned along critical Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping routes, highlighted its deep-water port of Berbera as a potential logistics hub for trade and energy infrastructure during the discussions. This positioning aligns with Somaliland’s broader strategy to leverage its geographic advantages for economic development.
Israeli President Herzog characterized the meeting as ‘positive,’ expressing enthusiasm for deepening cooperation between the nations. This diplomatic activity follows Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s landmark visit to Somaliland earlier this month, where he committed to advancing relations ‘with momentum.’
Despite functioning as an autonomous state with its own government, currency, and security forces for over three decades, Somaliland’s quest for widespread international recognition remains ongoing. The Davos engagements represent a multifaceted approach combining diplomatic recognition efforts with economic diversification initiatives.