Ankara: The head of the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate, Burhanettin Duran, has expressed Turkey’s firm stance against any expansion of Israeli aggression into the Horn of Africa. Speaking at the “Turkish-Somali Relations in Light of Global Transformation” symposium in Ankara, Duran highlighted Turkey’s longstanding relationship with Somalia, emphasizing its significance since Ankara began engaging with Africa in 2005.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Duran stated that Turkey will not condone actions undermining Somalia’s autonomy, unity, or territorial integrity. He underscored Turkey’s consistent support for Somalia and its opposition to any attempts at division within the country. Duran also criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, likening it to Israel’s actions in Palestine, and declared Turkey’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state on December 26, 2025, has drawn widespread condemnation, notably from the Arab League, which described it as an illegal move threatening international peace. Since its unilateral declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has functioned as an independent entity without international recognition, a situation that remains contentious in the region.