Turkey’s president calls Israel’s recognition of Somaliland “illegitimate”, as Somalia’s leader labels the move a violation of international law.
ANKARA: Turkey’s president on Tuesday called Israel’s recognition of Somaliland “illegitimate and unacceptable”.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the statement during a press conference alongside visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“Preserving the unity and integrity of Somalia in all circumstances holds special importance in our view,” Erdogan said.
Israel announced its official recognition of the breakaway Somali territory last Friday.
The declaration marks a first for Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
The move has drawn widespread criticism from the African Union, Egypt and the European Union.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defended the decision on Tuesday.
“No one will determine for Israel whom it may conduct diplomatic relations with,” he said.
Turkey is a close ally of Somalia and frequently clashes with Israel over issues like the Gaza conflict.
Somali President Mohamud called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “aggressive position, which also includes Somalia, is unacceptable”.
He labelled the Somaliland declaration “a violation of international law” and “the start of insecurity and instability”.
Erdogan also announced plans for Turkish offshore drilling in Somalia in 2026.
He said a new deepwater ship named Cagri Bey will operate off the Somali coast.
Ankara additionally plans to establish a “spaceport” in Somalia for space launches and satellite technologies.
