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Türkiye has strongly rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and warned against any attempts to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty. Speaking at a panel in Ankara titled “Turkish-Somalian Relations Amid Global Transformation,” Burhanettin Duran, head of the Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, said Türkiye firmly opposes what he described as Israel’s aggression in the region and would not allow instability to spread to the Horn of Africa.
Duran made it clear that Türkiye stands by Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. He said any action that threatens Somalia’s sovereignty or seeks to legitimize division is unacceptable. According to him, Türkiye has always supported Somalia and will continue to do so.
Türkiye and Somalia have maintained diplomatic relations for 60 years, but ties have grown much stronger over the past two decades. Duran said this transformation began in 2005 when President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched Türkiye’s “Africa opening” policy. The initiative aimed to build partnerships with African countries based on equality and mutual benefit rather than exploitation. He also highlighted Erdoğan’s 2011 visit to Mogadishu, which took place during a difficult period for Somalia and marked a turning point in relations between the two nations.
Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in December. Somaliland declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991, but the federal government in Mogadishu and the United Nations still consider it part of Somalia. The move sparked strong reactions in Somalia and across Africa and the Arab world. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Israel’s decision as a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional and global stability. The African Union and many Arab countries supported Somalia’s position and condemned the recognition.
While the United States said Israel had the right to recognize Somaliland, former President Donald Trump indicated he was unlikely to follow that path despite pressure from some political allies.
Duran said Türkiye would never accept efforts to divide Somalia. He stressed that the future of the Horn of Africa should be shaped by stability and cooperation, not by outside interference. He added that Türkiye’s approach to Africa is built on partnership, development and mutual respect.
According to Duran, Türkiye once neglected Africa, but that changed under Erdoğan’s leadership. Today, Türkiye supports African countries in economic development, capacity building and security cooperation. It also plays a mediating role in regional disputes when asked, based on trust developed with African partners. Duran said Türkiye works closely with regional organizations across the continent and coordinates policies with African governments.
He argued that some global powers still see Africa as a space for competition rather than cooperation. He criticized narratives that focus only on conflict and crisis while ignoring the continent’s cultural richness, natural beauty and economic potential. Africa, he said, is home to ancient civilizations, diverse cultures and a young, dynamic population. With its growing regional integration and abundant resources, it is becoming an important center in the global economy.
Somali officials at the panel echoed these sentiments. Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, reminded participants that Türkiye was among the first countries to recognize Somalia’s independence in 1960. He said Somalis have long viewed Türkiye as a reliable friend.
Nur recalled Erdoğan’s 2011 visit to Mogadishu, saying it brought hope at a time when many countries had distanced themselves from Somalia. He described the visit as a moment that changed the country’s trajectory and strengthened bilateral relations.
Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis Jama, described the relationship as a strategic partnership rooted in deep historical ties. He pointed to growing cooperation in trade, maritime affairs and energy. With Africa’s longest coastline, Somalia is working with Türkiye to turn its maritime resources into economic opportunities. Joint projects, including deepwater surveys planned for this year, aim to unlock both land and offshore resources.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and protecting Somalia’s unity, while promoting stability and shared growth across the Horn of Africa.