Monday 12, Jan 2026 {HMC} Türkiye on Saturday reiterated its strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
The remarks were made by Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Musa Kulaklıkaya as he chaired the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, convened in Saudi Arabia to address Israel’s recent decision.
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Kulaklıkaya emphasized Türkiye’s backing of Somalia and described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as contrary to international legal principles, according to a statement released by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on its official social media platform, NSosyal.
He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s “unwavering support” for international efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people and achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, the statement said.
Israel announced on Dec. 26 that it had formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first and so far only country to do so. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia, regional governments and multilateral organizations, which argue it violates international law and threatens regional peace and security.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government and has since operated as a de facto self-governing entity, with its own administration, security forces and elections. Despite this, it has not received international recognition as a sovereign state.
Türkiye’s position aligns with that of the African Union, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, all of which have reaffirmed support for Somalia’s internationally recognized borders and rejected any unilateral recognition of Somaliland.
The OIC meeting reflects mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel as Somalia seeks to consolidate international backing against what it describes as an assault on its sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for the Horn of Africa.
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