Türkiye has reaffirmed its strong support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declaring that the preservation of the country’s unity is a “priority under any circumstances.”
His remarks came during a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Dolmabahçe Presidential Office in Istanbul, amid heightened tensions following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland.
Erdoğan described Israel’s decision as “illegitimate and unacceptable,” warning that it risked destabilising the Horn of Africa. He charged the Netanyahu government of attempting to spread instability beyond the Middle East, citing recent conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar and Syria.
“Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable,” Erdoğan said, adding that regional organisations such as the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the European Union had already rejected the move.
He also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial statement opposing the recognition, calling it “extremely meaningful.”
The Turkish leader emphasised that 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, pledging continued support for Somalia’s security and stability.
He highlighted Türkiye’s role in training and equipping the Somali National Army through the TURKSOM military training centre, noting recent successes in counter-terrorism operations.
“We gladly witness that the Somali army have recently made significant achievements in its fight against terror,” Erdoğan said, linking improved security to political reforms in Mogadishu.
Beyond defence, Erdoğan outlined Türkiye’s expanding cooperation with Somalia in energy and technology.
He revealed that the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel had completed nine months of exploration across 4,465 square kilometres of Somali waters, with drilling activities planned for 2026.
He also announced progress on a three-phase spaceport project being developed by the Turkish Space Agency, aimed at building infrastructure for satellite technologies and launches.
Humanitarian support was also underscored, with Erdoğan citing the involvement of Turkish institutions such as Kızılay, TİKA and AFAD in Somalia. He stressed that Türkiye’s activities would “significantly contribute to the prosperity of the Somali people.”
Erdoğan concluded by insisting that decisions regarding Somalia and Somaliland must reflect the will of all Somalis, warning that unilateral steps “exacerbate and deepen the problem.”
He pledged Türkiye’s determined support for Somalia’s political unity and expressed confidence that Somalis would act “in unity, solidarity and a spirit of national consensus.”
Sources: Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
