Following Israeli recognition, Somaliland is seeking a trade and investment deal and has signaled willingness to offer access to key minerals.
He said he had accepted an invitation from Netanyahu and would visit Israel soon, but no date had yet been set. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland a month ago.
Abdullahi said he expects all United Nations member states to eventually follow Israel’s lead, including the United Arab Emirates and the United States, though he said it was normal for recognition to take time.
He said he had a good working relationship with the US and believes President Donald Trump will “someday” recognise Somaliland. Last month, he pitched investment deals at a dinner in Davos attended by Trump’s son Eric.
Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland has drawn an angry response from Somalia, and has also been criticised by China, Turkey, Egypt, and the African Union.
Somaliland also cooperates with the UAE, with DP World a big investor in the Berbera port. The UAE has “not decided officially yet, but they are just one of the countries we expect to recognise Somaliland,” Abdullahi said.
”We also expect that the Saudi government will make the same investment in Somaliland,” he said.
