Erdogan says Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is illegal, Turkey plans energy exploration and port project in Somalia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is illegal, adding that Turkey plans to begin energy exploration and build a port in Somalia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Erdogan said the Israeli steps were an attempt to “drag the Horn of Africa region into instability”.

He stressed that “the unity and sovereignty of Somalia are a priority for us”, confirming that Ankara rejects any violation of Somali sovereignty or any change to its legal status.

In the same context, the Turkish president announced that Turkey plans to start energy exploration operations in Somalia in 2026, as part of expanding economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Erdogan also said that Ankara intends to “build a space port in Somalia as part of bilateral agreements”.

For his part, the Somali president said that “Turkish exploration for oil and gas will contribute to the revival of our country and will improve the lives of our people”.

Erdogan added that “a clear improvement has been achieved in Somalia in terms of security, despite sabotage attempts by parties that do not want Somalia to stand on its feet again”, referring to forces he said are seeking to destabilise the country.

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