“The preservation of Somalia’s unity and integrity under any circumstances is a priority for us”
Speaking at a joint press conference with President Mohamud of Somalia, President Erdoğan said: “The preservation of Somalia’s unity and integrity under any circumstances is a priority for us. Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia held a joint press conference following their tête-à-tête and the meeting between the delegations at Dolmabahçe Presidential Office in Istanbul.
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SOMALIA’S SECURITY AND STABILITY”
Stating that 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Somalia, President Erdoğan said that they will continue to support Somalia’s security and stability, and added: “We have shown with the trainings and equipment support we have provided to the Somalia National Army at TURKSOM military training center that we stand with Somalia. We gladly witness that the Somali army have recently made significant achievements in its fight against terror. The improvement in the environment of security has brought about the reform steps in the Somali politics as well.”
“OUR ACTIVITIES WILL SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROSPERITY OF THE SOMALI PEOPLE”
Drawing attention to Türkiye’s increasingly strengthening cooperation with Somalia in the area of energy, President Erdoğan noted that Türkiye’s Oruç Reis seismic research vessel has carried out research activities in an area of 4,465 square kilometers in Somalia’s sea areas for nine months, and said: “We plan to begin drilling activities in 2026. Our activities will significantly contribute to the prosperity of the Somali people.”
“Within the framework of the agreements we have signed, we are working to build a spaceport in Somalia. Completing the project designing of this three-phase project, we have begun the construction of it through Turkish Space Agency. We plan to create a significant infrastructure in the areas of satellite technologies and launching with our project. While realizing all these projects, we continue to support Somalia with our relevant institutions, Kızılay, TİKA and AFAD in particular,” President Erdoğan added.
“ISRAEL’S DECISION TO RECOGNIZE SOMALILAND IS ILLEGITIMATE AND UNACCEPTABLE”
“The preservation of Somalia’s unity and integrity under any circumstances is a priority for us,” President Erdoğan further stressed, and went on to say: “Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable. Following its attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar and Syria, the Netanyahu government, which has the blood of our 71 thousand Palestinian brothers and sisters’ blood on its hands, is now seeking to drag the Horn of Africa into instability. The European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League as well as regional countries, notably Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have made statements that have rejected Israel’s decision. U.S. President Mr. Trump’s first statement on the issue has been extremely meaningful and has confirmed, so to speak, the global peace vision, which he has displayed since he took office, and which we support as well.”
“STEPS THAT DO NOT SERVE THE SOLUTION EXACERBATE THE PROBLEM”
Describing all these statements underscoring Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty as highly valuable, President Erdoğan said: “Our stance here is completely based on principles. Steps that do not serve the solution exacerbate and deepen the problem. Decisions regarding the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region must be taken in a manner that reflects the will of the entire Somalis. We will continue to determinedly support Somalia’s territorial integrity and political unity, and to stand by the Somali people throughout this process. And we wholeheartedly believe that our Somali brothers and sisters will act in unity, solidarity and a spirit of national consensus as well.”
