Erdogan Rejects Israel’s Somaliland Recognition, Backs Somalia’s Unity

GOOBJOOG NEWS | CAIRO: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkey rejects Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We do not accept Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, which targets Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Erdogan said after talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. “Steps regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region must be taken in a way that reflects the will of all Somalis.”

Erdogan said Ankara’s position was clear and consistent in supporting Somalia’s unity, adding that decisions affecting the country’s future should be made through inclusive dialogue and respect for Somalia’s internationally recognised borders.

The remarks came during a high-level meeting between the Turkish and Egyptian leaders ahead of the Egypt–Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which discussed bilateral ties and regional issues including Somalia, Sudan and Gaza, according to the Egyptian presidency.

An Egyptian presidential spokesman said the two leaders agreed to intensify consultations on Somalia and the Horn of Africa, underscoring the importance of regional stability and coordinated diplomatic engagement.

Turkey was among the first countries to publicly oppose Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, announced in late December, a move that has drawn strong criticism across Africa and the Arab world. Somalia’s federal government has condemned the decision and stepped up diplomatic efforts to rally international support.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognised by the international community. Mogadishu considers the region an integral part of the country and insists that any political settlement must preserve Somalia’s territorial integrity.

The Cairo talks also reflected improving relations between Turkey and Egypt after years of strained ties, with the two sides signing agreements to expand cooperation in areas including defence, trade and investment.