ISTANBUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said here Tuesday that Israel's recognition of Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable, reaffirming Türkiye's support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Erdogan made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Türkiye plans to launch energy exploration activities in Somalia in 2026 to support Somalia's development, and the two countries are also considering establishing a space launch facility in Somalia as part of broader strategic cooperation, Erdogan said.
Mohamud also condemned the move by Israel, calling it an "aggressive stance" that violates international law and undermines regional diplomacy and African unity.
Israel recently became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as a sovereign state, a step that has drawn strong criticism from the international community. ■
