Turkey's Erdogan: Israel's Somaliland Recognition "Illegitimate"
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, calling the move "illegitimate and unacceptable."
He made the statement during a meeting in Istanbul with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Erdogan emphasized the importance of protecting Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but no United Nations member state has formally recognized it.
Israel's government confirmed its recognition of Somaliland earlier this week. The diplomatic move is seen as part of a broader regional competition for influence.
The Turkish president's remarks reinforce Turkey's close ties with the Somali government in Mogadishu. Turkey is a major donor and has a significant military training presence in Somalia.