Africa-Press. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said the region expects to conclude a trade partnership agreement with Israel in the near future, following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region as an independent state.
In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday via video link from Dubai, where he was attending the World Government Summit, Abdullahi said the agreement could include granting rights to exploit valuable mineral deposits as part of broader economic cooperation.
He noted that “at present, there is no trade or investment from Israel. But we are 100% hopeful for Israeli investment and trade, and we hope to engage with Israeli businesspeople and the government soon”.
Abdullahi stressed that Somaliland is rich in natural resources, including minerals, oil and gas, as well as marine resources, agriculture and energy. He also highlighted the presence of significant lithium reserves, a key component in battery production and electric vehicles.
“Somaliland is a very resource-rich country — minerals, oil, gas, marine resources, agriculture and energy. We have meat, fish and minerals that Israel needs. Trade can therefore begin in these key sectors,” he said, adding that Somaliland would seek Israeli technology in return.
He added that potential military cooperation with Israel has not yet been discussed in depth and that the issue of establishing military bases has not been raised. He also revealed that he has accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel at a later date.
Somaliland currently cooperates with the United Arab Emirates, with DP World acting as a major investor in the port of Berbera, and further investments are expected from Saudi Arabia.
It is worth noting that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence has sparked angry reactions from Somalia and criticism from China, Turkey, Egypt, the African Union and others.
