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Türkiye is “clearly and firmly” opposed to Israel’s reported initiative to recognize Somaliland and will continue to support Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran said.
Speaking at the “Türkiye-Somalia Relations in the Process of Global Transformation” panel organized by the Presidency’s Communications Directorate, Duran said Türkiye does not want Israel to extend what he described as its aggression in Palestine and regional policies to the Horn of Africa.
“We are clearly and firmly against Israel’s initiative to recognize Somaliland. We do not want Israel to carry out its genocide in Palestine and its aggressive regional policies in the Horn of Africa.
We will not turn a blind eye to this. We remain determined to support Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” Duran said.
Duran said Africa policy has become one of the building blocks of Türkiye’s foreign policy, emphasizing that Ankara supports African countries’ economic development and capacity-building needs.
He said Türkiye backs security and stability in African countries and promotes bilateral cooperation in the defense industry.
He added that Türkiye assumes facilitator or mediator roles in regional disputes based on the trust placed in it and cooperates with regional organizations across the continent.
Describing Africa as one of the centers that will shape the transformation of the international system, Duran said Türkiye coordinates with African countries on global issues.
“Today, Türkiye’s presence in Africa disturbs many states with different ambitions,” he said, adding that some countries continue to see Africa as a playground for major powers.
Duran criticized narratives that focus on crisis and chaos while ignoring Africa’s potential, saying the continent is home to ancient civilizations, natural beauty, and cultural diversity and is becoming a new center of attraction for the global economy due to its young population, resource wealth and regional integration efforts.
He said Türkiye approaches its relations with Africa based on equality, mutual respect, and shared gains.
Duran said Türkiye will continue to stand by African citizens and seek peace, stability and prosperity for all as a reliable mediator.
He noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has visited 31 African countries and that the number of Turkish embassies in Africa has increased from 12 in 2005 to 44 today.
He said bilateral trade volume with African countries has risen from $5 billion to $40 billion over the past 20 years.
Highlighting humanitarian, educational and health efforts in the region, Duran described Türkiye-Somalia ties as rooted in strong historical, cultural and humanitarian bonds.
“This is not a temporary relationship but a deep and lasting one,” he said, adding that no attempt targeting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity can be accepted.
Duran also referred to cooperation in developing Somalia’s technical capacity in fisheries and described a planned space base project as one of the most exciting areas of cooperation.
He said the project could enhance the international prestige of both countries and create opportunities in security, the defense industry, and technology sharing.
He added that Türkiye and Somalia aim to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including maritime affairs, food security, renewable energy, digital transformation, education, health, logistics and investment.
“Our goal is to contribute to the shared prosperity of both countries through projects that build capacity on the ground and strengthen Somalia’s institutional power,” Duran said.
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