Khaberni - The president of the separatist Somaliland region, Abdul Rahman Mohamed Abdullah, expressed his welcome for Israeli investments in the region, pointing out that its natural resources, ports, tourism, and agriculture represent strategic opportunities.
In an interview with the Israeli newspaper "Globes" on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Abdullah invited Israeli entrepreneurs to come to the region, affirming that Somaliland is "rich in resources and we welcome investments."
His statements come after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the separatist Somaliland region. Abdullah added, "We are open to business with all countries of the world including Israel, and we have not ruled out the possibility of granting an Israeli company a port on our territory."
Abdullah referred to the strategic location of the region and its importance in securing maritime navigation, especially in light of the attacks by the Ansar Allah group (Houthis) targeting ships associated with Israel in the Red Sea, which disrupted about 12% of global maritime trade, and said, "Somaliland is important for maritime trade, and therefore, relations with Israel are also important."
Abdullah explained that his country possesses vast mineral, oil, and gas wealth, as well as a large livestock wealth and arable land, affirming that these resources can contribute to enhancing global food security, especially for Israel.
He added, "I encourage Israeli businessmen to come and establish projects in the fields of energy, tourism, agriculture, husbandry, aviation, and finance."
These statements come amid the ongoing dispute regarding the crossing of the Somali airspace by Israeli airlines.
Abdullah criticized the decision of Somalia not to allow the "Arkia" company planes to pass through its airspace, stating that "it is unacceptable to obstruct civilian air traffic."
