Cairo (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) – February 05, 2026 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have jointly rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, affirming strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders made these statements during high-level talks in Cairo ahead of the Egypt-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, emphasising inclusive dialogue for Somalia’s future. They agreed to intensify consultations on Somalia and the Horn of Africa to promote regional stability.
Egyptian and Turkish leaders convened in Cairo on February 4, 2026, where President Erdogan explicitly stated that Turkey does not accept Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, describing it as a violation targeting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We do not accept Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, which targets Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Erdogan said following discussions with President al-Sisi.
Media outlet Anadolu English reported the Turkish leader's position in real time. Anadolu English - @anadoluagency said in X post,
“#BREAKING Türkiye rejects Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland, says President Erdogan, citing Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”
He added that steps concerning the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region must reflect the will of all Somalis and respect internationally recognised borders.
Cairo Talks Highlight Shared Stance on Somalia
The remarks emerged during a meeting focused on bilateral ties and regional issues, including Somalia, Sudan, and Gaza, as reported by the Egyptian presidency. An Egyptian presidential spokesman confirmed that the two leaders agreed to deepen consultations on Somalia and the Horn of Africa, highlighting the need for coordinated diplomatic engagement to ensure stability. A joint statement issued after the talks reaffirmed support for the “territorial integrity and safety of Somalia,” referencing Israel’s late December recognition of the breakaway region.
Somali news service Hiiraan Online covered the joint reaffirmation by the two presidents. Hiiraan Online - @hiiraan said in X post,
“Egypt, Turkey reject Somaliland recognition, pledge support for Somalia’s unity: Cairo (HOL) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and…”
This position aligns with prior diplomatic efforts by Egypt and Turkey. On December 25, 2025, their foreign ministers, alongside counterparts from Somalia and Djibouti, held consultations rejecting Israel’s recognition, stressing full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty hosted the calls, where the ministers condemned unilateral actions undermining Somali sovereignty.
Israel's Recognition Sparks Regional Backlash
Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state on December 26, 2025, becoming the first country to do so formally. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated intentions to collaborate with Somaliland in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the economy, following a joint declaration with Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, welcomed the move as historic, but it has received no broader international recognition.
Somalia’s federal government immediately condemned the decision as an illegal affront to its sovereignty, pledging diplomatic, political, and legal responses under international law. The African Union and United Nations have consistently affirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity, as reiterated in UN Security Council Resolution 2809 adopted on December 23, 2025. During a UN Security Council briefing on December 29, 2025, Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari noted criticisms from Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and a joint statement by 20 Middle Eastern and African countries.
Historical Context of Egypt-Turkey Somalia Support
Both nations maintain close relations with Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu. Turkey has provided consistent military, security, and strategic support, with President Erdogan previously stating in June 2025 that protecting Somalia’s unity is a top priority and Israel’s recognition is unacceptable. Egypt has similarly backed Somalia amid tensions, including a security cooperation agreement and Arab League support against perceived threats from Ethiopia’s pursuits of Red Sea access via Somaliland.
Egypt’s involvement stems partly from its dispute with Ethiopia over Nile waters, viewing regional dynamics through the lens of stability. The Cairo meeting also addressed broader cooperation, including defence, trade, and investment, with bilateral trade targeted to rise from $9 billion to $15 billion by 2029. Agreements signed covered defence, agriculture, health, and more, co-chaired under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
Broader Regional Implications Noted in Discussions
The joint stance references concerns over Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland for sea access, which Somalia denounces as a sovereignty breach. Somaliland’s government rejected Egyptian comments in August 2024, reaffirming its independence claim since 1991 and calling for respect of its sovereignty. However, Egypt and Turkey’s positions prioritise Somalia’s recognised borders and inclusive processes.
The talks reflect thawing Egypt-Turkey relations after years of strain, now evolving into a strategic partnership with intelligence sharing and joint exercises. They also support Sudan’s national institutions against parallel structures and advocate Gaza ceasefires. President Erdogan emphasised maritime security along their East Mediterranean coastlines.
Ongoing Diplomatic Coordination
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reviewed preparations for the council’s second meeting in early 2026 via phone on February 3, 2026. This follows earlier coordination on regional files. Somalia continues rallying support, with the federal government insisting on dialogue preserving its unity.
The Cairo declarations underscore a unified diplomatic front amid Horn of Africa tensions. Both leaders participated in a Turkish-Egyptian business forum, signalling expanded economic ties. Turkey’s activities in Somalia, including security force enhancements, continue unabated.