• President Erdogan asserts that Israel's recognition of Somaliland benefits neither Somaliland nor the Horn of Africa.
• Erdogan urges countries in the region to solve their issues independently, avoiding external interference.
• Somalia has severed ties with the UAE, accusing it of supporting Israel's decision regarding Somaliland.
• Erdogan highlights Turkey's growing influence and investment in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia.
• Regional stability is emphasized as crucial for fostering economic opportunities in the Horn of Africa.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has publicly criticized Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, stating that this decision does not benefit Somaliland or the wider Horn of Africa. He reiterated these points during a press conference in Addis Ababa, stressing that foreign recognition of Somaliland would lead to further destabilization in an already volatile region, and emphasized that “the Horn of Africa should not be turned into an arena of struggle for foreign powers,” according to aa and Reuters.

Erdogan also noted that regional nations should seek to resolve their own issues without external interference. He reiterated Turkey's commitment to respecting the territorial integrity of states in the Horn of Africa and condemned Israel's move as “illegal and unacceptable,” which he links to attempts to destabilize the region. His comments reflect Turkey's broader strategy of deepening ties with Ethiopia while providing support to Somalia, as reported by Africanews and BBC.

In response to the Somaliland recognition, Somalia has severed ties with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of influencing Israel's decision. The Somali government has signed a defense agreement with Qatar and welcomed Turkish military support, further aligning its foreign policy with Ankara during these tumultuous times, according to aa and Reuters.

Furthermore, Erdogan highlighted Turkey's investments in Ethiopia, where more than 200 Turkish companies are operational, contributing to a significant economic presence in the region. He expressed pride in Turkey being the second-largest investor in Ethiopia, with aspirations for further cooperation aimed at regional stability and development, emphasizing cultural ties and ongoing diplomatic efforts, as discussed in reports by Africanews and BBC.