WASHINGTON —
A spokesperson for Eric Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump, has denied reports suggesting he held a formal meeting with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” in Davos, Switzerland.
The clarification follows a private dinner event at the World Economic Forum where President Irro reportedly presented investment prospects to attendees, including the U.S. President’s son and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
“Only Pleasantries Exchanged”
Kimberly Benza, a spokesperson for Eric Trump, confirmed that President Irro attended the dinner reception and posed for a photograph with the Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization. However, she dismissed claims that the two held talks or discussed political or economic matters.
“At no point did (Eric Trump) ever meet with the Somaliland president. Nor did he at any time discuss a port,” Benza stated in an official release.
When questioned about sideline discussions, Benza added, “Only pleasantries were exchanged, nothing more.” She further noted that there were more than 100 people in the room and that Eric Trump neither acknowledged nor commented on the Somaliland president’s remarks during the event.
The Encounter and Investment Pitch
According to a Reuters report, President Irro rose during the dinner to address the gathering. Speaking into a microphone, he highlighted Somaliland’s strategic assets, specifically the deep-sea port of Berbera, located along one of the globe’s most active shipping lanes.
“For 24 years, Somaliland has maintained stability, democracy, peace, and has been fully prepared for business,” Abdullahi informed participants, according to video footage reviewed by Reuters. “We anticipate that all individuals present at this table will back the recognition of Somaliland.”
Witnesses reported that the Somaliland president and Eric Trump engaged in brief conversations during handshakes at the start and conclusion of the event. On Thursday, President Irro characterized the interaction positively to reporters, stating, “The meeting went well, it went very well.”
Business Context
The encounter has drawn scrutiny regarding potential business interests. During President Donald Trump’s first administration, the family’s voluntary ethical standards barred them from pursuing new business ventures outside the U.S. However, days prior to his second inauguration, the Trump Organization issued updated guidelines that removed that limitation.
While the White House did not respond to inquiries regarding the event, the presence of global business figures and political leaders like President Herzog—whose nation recently became the first UN member to recognize Somaliland—underscores the region’s aggressive push for international legitimacy and economic partnerships.
