Erdogan calls Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland illegitimate
“The preservation of Somalia's unity and integrity under all circumstances is a priority for us,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a joint news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Istanbul. He added, “We will continue to resolutely support Somalia's territorial integrity and political unity, and stand by the Somali people.”
Erdogan noted that Somalia has achieved notable security improvements despite sabotage attempts by those seeking to destabilize the country. Mohamud emphasized that amid ongoing threats to its sovereignty, Somalia has deeply felt the support of Türkiye and its people.
He also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s aggressive stance against Somalia’s territorial integrity as unacceptable.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state on Friday. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized internationally and functions as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity. The Somali government continues to consider Somaliland part of its territory, regarding any direct dealings as violations of its sovereignty and unity.
Erdogan stressed that Türkiye will maintain its support for Somalia’s security and stability, including comprehensive backing in the fight against terrorism. He highlighted the training and equipment provided to the Somali National Army at the TURKSOM Military Training Center as a demonstration of Ankara’s solidarity with Mogadishu.
Erdogan also highlighted growing collaboration in the energy sector, noting that Türkiye’s Oruc Reis seismic research vessel conducted nine months of exploration in Somali maritime areas.
He said drilling operations are planned to begin in 2026, with the goal of benefiting the Somali people.
Türkiye has strengthened its fleet with two new deep-sea drilling ships. “The first of these two vessels, which we have named Cagri Bey and Yildirim, will operate off the coast of Somalia, and the other in the Black Sea,” Erdogan said, adding that with these additions, “we now possess the world's fourth largest fleet in this field.”
Erdogan noted that agreements with Somalia in fisheries have opened new avenues for collaboration, including building local technical capacity and combating illegal fishing.
“Within the framework of the agreements we have signed, we envision establishing a spaceport in Somalia. We have completed the design of the first phase of the project, which consists of three stages, and have started its construction through the Turkish Space Agency,” he said, underscoring Türkiye’s long-term investment in Somali development.
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