By Gloria Ogbonna
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has announced that his nation is ready to establish a full security and economic partnership with the United States, emphasizing Somaliland’s strategic geographic position, untapped natural resources, and decades of political stability as key reasons for closer cooperation.
Speaking during an interview in Dubai after attending the World Government Summit, Abdullahi outlined his vision for stronger ties with Washington.
He argued that Somaliland occupies one of the most important maritime positions in the world, located along a corridor that carries roughly 30 percent of global container shipping. He said this location makes Somaliland a valuable partner for protecting international trade routes and strengthening regional security.
Abdullahi stressed that Somaliland’s coastline along the Gulf of Aden has remained secure and free from piracy, especially compared to neighboring areas that have struggled with instability. He said his country is prepared to work closely with the United States and its allies to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels and to help maintain global economic stability.
“We have secure waters and a strategic position near one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints,” Abdullahi said. “We are ready to be a reliable partner in maritime security and ensure trade flows smoothly.”
The president also pointed to Somaliland’s natural resources as an opportunity for economic partnership. He said the country has significant deposits of rare earth minerals, as well as oil, gas, livestock, and marine resources.
These minerals are especially important as the United States seeks to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on countries like China, which currently dominates the global rare earth market.
“We are ready for business,” Abdullahi said. “We are not asking for aid. We are asking for partnership.”
Abdullahi also praised U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as a strong global leader and peacemaker. He said Trump’s leadership has helped restore America’s influence and promote peace in several regions.
Abdullahi noted that he has previously expressed support for Trump’s peace efforts and believes stronger cooperation between Somaliland and the United States would benefit both nations.
Somaliland’s push for closer ties with Washington comes after a major diplomatic breakthrough in late 2025, when Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an independent country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recognition as part of broader regional peace efforts.
Since then, officials from both countries have discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as agriculture, technology, trade, and national security.
Abdullahi said Somaliland hopes to build on that momentum by forming formal agreements with both Israel and the United States. He said his government is ready to cooperate at the highest levels and strengthen international partnerships.
Somaliland has long argued that it deserves international recognition as an independent state. The region declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, Somaliland has established its own political system, held multiple elections, and maintained its own military, police, and currency.
Abdullahi emphasized that Somaliland has remained peaceful and stable for more than three decades, even as Somalia has faced ongoing conflict and terrorist threats from extremist groups such as al-Shabaab.
“We have built our institutions and maintained peace on our own,” he said. “We are a democracy and a reliable partner.”
https://twitter.com/GPOIsrael/status/2004554118073852139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Several U.S. lawmakers have also expressed support for recognizing Somaliland and strengthening ties. They argue that Somaliland’s stability, strategic location, and democratic system make it an important potential ally in the Horn of Africa.
Abdullahi said Somaliland’s location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, makes it especially valuable in global security efforts. Recent attacks on ships in the region have highlighted the importance of reliable partners who can help protect international trade routes.
He said Somaliland stands ready to assist in counterterrorism efforts and help promote peace and stability in the region.
“We are ready to fully cooperate,” Abdullahi said. “We want to contribute to global security and economic growth.”
Despite Somaliland’s long-standing self-governance, it has not yet received widespread international recognition. However, Abdullahi said he remains hopeful that more countries will recognize Somaliland’s independence and its role as a stable and strategic partner.
He concluded by emphasizing that Somaliland’s goal is not foreign aid but mutual cooperation based on shared interests.
Recognizing Somaliland isn’t charity — it’s strategy. It aligns with America’s security interests and the “America First” doctrine by strengthening an ally that shares our values in a region vital to global trade and counterterrorism.@thehillhttps://t.co/gfgyShpL6B
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 5, 2026
“We are a peaceful nation, and we are ready to work with the United States and the world,” Abdullahi said. “We believe partnership is the path forward.
Source breitbart
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