Ankara: Trkiye stated that Israel's recognition of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state is "unlawful."

According to Anadolu Agency, Israel's decision was described by Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli on the US social media platform X as a continuation of the Netanyahu government's actions that aim to create regional and global instability. Keceli emphasized that Israel's recognition of Somaliland is a direct interference in Somalia's internal affairs and contradicts Israel's own policies regarding Palestine.

Keceli further highlighted the importance of decisions regarding Somalia's future and the Somaliland region reflecting the collective will of all Somalis. Trkiye, he noted, places significant importance on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, and firmly supports Somalia's territorial integrity, while pledging continued support for the Somali people.

Earlier in the day, Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an independent sovereign state. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent entity, maintaining its own administrative, political, and security systems. However, it has been unable to gain international recognition, with Somalia's central government viewing any engagement with Somaliland as a breach of its sovereignty and unity.