Erdogan Criticizes Israel's Recognition of Somaliland During Ethiopia Visit

During an official visit to Ethiopia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, stating that such a move benefits neither Somaliland nor the Horn of Africa.

At a joint press conference in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Erdogan emphasized Turkey's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states. He expressed concern over the Horn of Africa becoming a battleground for foreign powers and underscored the need for regional solutions to local issues.

Erdogan's remarks come in response to Israel's December 2025 decision to recognize Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the international community. This recognition has been met with criticism from Somalia, the African Union, and other regional actors.

During the visit, Turkey and Ethiopia signed agreements to enhance economic and energy cooperation, reflecting their deepening bilateral relations. Erdogan highlighted Turkey's role as one of Ethiopia's largest investors and reiterated Ankara's commitment to supporting regional stability and development.