Erdogan warns against Somaliland recognition during Ethiopia visit

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Israel's recognition of Somaliland "does not benefit" the region.

His comments came during a visit to Ethiopia, where he signed major economic deals and held talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The statement was interpreted in some quarters as a message to the Ethiopian government, which in the past has considered recognising Somaliland's independence.

"I would like to especially underline our stance of valuing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states in the area where Ethiopia is located," Erdogan said at a joint press conference with Ethiopia's leader in Addis Ababa.

"We believe regional countries need to find solutions to the problems of the region and for the Horn of Africa not to become a competition field for foreign forces. In that regard, I would like to emphasise that Israel's recognition of Somaliland does not benefit Somaliland or the Horn of Africa, he said.

Somaliland responded on Wednesday by condemning what it said was Turkey's "unacceptable interference", which it said could "inflame regional tensions".

The Ethiopian government is yet to publicly comment on Erdogan's statement.

Landlocked Ethiopia has long pushed for access to the Red Sea and has tried to negotiate deals with Somaliland and Eritrea for use of their ports.

In 2024, Turkey helped defuse a political crisis between Ethiopia and Somalia over Somaliland's decision to hand Addis Ababa control over miles of its coastline.

The agreement would have seen Ethiopia recognise Somaliland's independence in exchange for sea access and brought the two countries to the brink of war.

Abiy on Tuesday said he had asked Turkey to use its diplomatic power to help it access to the sea.

Ethiopia has strong economic links with Turkey, which is one of the country's largest investors.

Erdogan's visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region after Israel in December became the first country to recognise Somaliland's independence.

The move triggered condemnation from the African Union and Somalia's Arab allies, as well as Turkey.

Analysts have speculated about whether the United Arab Emirates could soon follow in Israel's footsteps.

Somalia has severed ties with Abu Dhabi, accusing it of working with Israel to fragment the country.

Turkey backs the Somali government and has deployed fighter jets and naval assets to the country in a show of support.

It has also been one of Israel's fiercest critics over its genocidal assault on Gaza, severing trade ties and backing international action against the country's leaders.