Erdogan Calls Israel’s Somaliland Decision Illegitimate, Vows Continued Backing for Somalia
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday strongly rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as illegitimate and unacceptable, and reaffirmed Türkiye’s firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Istanbul, Erdogan said the preservation of Somalia’s unity and integrity under all circumstances remains a priority for Türkiye.
“We will continue to resolutely support Somalia’s territorial integrity and political unity, and stand by the Somali people,” Erdogan stressed.
The Turkish president noted that Somalia has achieved significant improvements in security despite acts of sabotage by groups opposed to the country’s recovery. He reiterated Ankara’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and stability, including its ongoing fight against terrorism.
Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s comprehensive assistance to the Somali National Army, including training and equipment support provided at the TURKSOM Military Training Center, as a demonstration of Türkiye’s solidarity with Mogadishu.
For his part, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia has consistently felt the support of Türkiye and the Turkish people, particularly at a time when the country faces threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on Somaliland as aggressive and unacceptable.
Israel announced on Friday that it had recognized Somaliland as an independent sovereign state. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has operated as a de facto autonomous entity without international recognition. The Somali government continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its territory and considers any unilateral engagement with the region a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
Energy and Maritime Cooperation
Erdogan also noted strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and Somalia in the energy sector, stating that the Oruc Reis seismic research vessel conducted research activities in Somali maritime areas for nine months. He said Türkiye plans to begin drilling operations in 2026, adding that such activities would contribute significantly to the well-being of the Somali people.
The Turkish president announced that Ankara has added two new deep-sea drilling ships, named Cagri Bey and Yildirim, to its fleet. He said one vessel will operate off the coast of Somalia, while the other will be deployed in the Black Sea, noting that Türkiye now possesses the world’s fourth-largest deep-sea drilling fleet.
Fisheries and Space Cooperation
Erdogan further stated that cooperation in the fisheries sector has entered a new phase under a recently signed agreement, through which Türkiye will support Somalia’s technical capacity and contribute to efforts to combat illegal fishing.
He also revealed plans to establish a spaceport in Somalia under bilateral agreements, saying that the design of the first phase of the three-stage project has been completed and construction has begun under the supervision of the Turkish Space Agency.
