President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland’s independence is illegal and unacceptable, warning that it risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa, while reaffirming Türkiye’s strong political, security, and economic support for Somalia.
In a joint news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Erdoğan stressed that Somalia’s unity is a priority for Ankara. He noted that Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable, accusing Israel of attempting to push the Horn of Africa toward instability.
Israel recognized Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state on Friday.
Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.
The Somali government refuses to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory, and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and unity.
Erdoğan said Türkiye and Somalia share deep-rooted historical, human, and cultural ties, noting that 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stressed that Türkiye will continue to advance bilateral relations on this solid foundation and support Somalia’s security and stability.
Recalling his visit to Somalia during his tenure as prime minister at a time when the country was suffering from severe drought, Erdoğan said Türkiye launched a comprehensive humanitarian aid campaign when much of the world had turned its back on Somalia. He said the “hand of brotherhood” extended by Türkiye strengthened the sense of fraternity between the two nations and contributed to Somalia’s progress in the years since.
Despite sabotage attempts by actors opposed to Somalia’s recovery, Erdoğan said significant improvements have been achieved in the country’s security situation. He underlined that Türkiye continues to support Somalia’s fight against terrorism through training and equipment assistance to the Somali armed forces, demonstrating Ankara’s firm solidarity. He added that improved security conditions have also enabled political reforms, including the holding of long-awaited elections across the country, including in the capital, on Dec. 25.
Erdoğan highlighted growing cooperation in the energy sector, saying the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel conducted nine months of surveys in Somali maritime areas, covering 4,465 square kilometers – a first in the country’s history. He said Türkiye plans to begin drilling activities in 2026, describing the projects as ones that will contribute directly to the welfare of the Somali people.
He also announced that Türkiye has added two deep-sea drilling ships, named Çağrı Bey and Yıldırım, to its fleet, with one set to operate off the coast of Somalia and the other in the Black Sea. With these additions, Erdoğan said Türkiye now possesses the world’s fourth-largest fleet in this field.
Erdoğan also pointed to expanding cooperation in fisheries and announced a landmark agreement in the space sector. He said Türkiye plans to establish a spaceport in Somalia under a three-phase project, with construction of the first phase already underway in cooperation with the Türkiye Space Agency. The project aims to create significant infrastructure in space and launch technologies.
For his part, Somali President Mahmud has emphasized that at a time when Somalia faces threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty, the country has clearly felt the support of Türkiye and the Turkish nation.
