At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi sought international recognition and investment during a closed-door dinner attended by Eric Trump and Israel's President Isaac Herzog. He highlighted opportunities in the strategic Berbera port amid Somaliland's long quest for formal statehood. Accounts of the interactions vary, with Abdullahi describing the meeting positively while Trump's spokesperson downplays any substantive discussion.
Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi used the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to advocate for his country's recognition and attract investors. During a closed-door dinner on the event's sidelines, he presented opportunities in Somaliland, focusing on the deep-sea port of Berbera, which lies along a major global shipping route. Two attendees confirmed his outline of these prospects, and a Reuters reporter observed Abdullahi entering the conference room where Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump and an executive in the family business, and Israel's President Isaac Herzog were present. The reporter later viewed photos of Trump shaking hands with and posing alongside Abdullahi. Israel recognized Somaliland last month, marking the first such action by a UN member state. In his address, microphone in hand, Abdullahi emphasized to the gathered participants: “For 24 years, Somaliland has been stable, democratic, peaceful, ready for business.” He added, “We expect that everyone (around) this table will support the recognition of Somaliland.” Abdullahi and Eric Trump exchanged brief words while shaking hands at the event's start and finish, per the two witnesses. On Thursday, Abdullahi told Reuters, “The meeting went well, it went very well,” confirming talks with both Trump and Herzog. However, Kimberly Benza, spokesperson for Eric Trump, stated that while Abdullahi attended the reception and posed for a photo, no meeting occurred amid over 100 attendees. She denied any port discussion or acknowledgment of the speech, describing interactions as mere pleasantries. Herzog posted on X about his pleasure in meeting his Somaliland counterpart in the Swiss resort, without referencing Trump. This outreach follows changes in the Trump Organization's guidelines, which now permit international pursuits after restrictions during Donald Trump's first term. Somaliland has maintained autonomy, peace, and stability since 1991, when Somalia entered civil war, yet it lacks international recognition.
