Türkiye Joins 18-Country Statement Condemning Somaliland's Jerusalem Embassy
By Bosphorus News Geopolitics Desk
The foreign ministers of Türkiye and 18 other countries issued a joint statement on Sunday, May 24, 2026, condemning the opening of a purported embassy by Somalia's breakaway Somaliland region in Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal, unacceptable and a flagrant violation of international law.
The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Algeria, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. "The ministers condemn in the strongest terms the illegal and unacceptable step taken by the so-called 'Somaliland' region in opening a purported 'embassy' in occupied Jerusalem," the statement read. "This constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions, and represents a direct infringement on the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem."
The ministers reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any unilateral measures aimed at altering Jerusalem's legal or historical status, and reiterated that East Jerusalem has been occupied Palestinian territory since 1967. Any measures intended to change that status, the statement said, are null and void and carry no legal effect. The signatories also expressed full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
What Prompted the Statement
The joint condemnation followed an announcement by Somaliland's first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, that Somaliland's diplomatic mission would be located in Jerusalem, making it one of a small number of foreign missions in the city. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the development as a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations. Israel's President Isaac Herzog received Hagi at the presidential residence in Jerusalem on May 18.
Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated its own government, currency and security forces, though it has not gained international recognition beyond Israel.
Türkiye's Position
Türkiye's participation in the joint statement fits within a consistent position Ankara has maintained since Israel's recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. As Bosphorus News reported at the time, Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli condemned Israel's recognition as "a clear violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions." Türkiye has formal defense and maritime cooperation agreements with the Federal Republic of Somalia, operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu, and has consistently backed Mogadishu's sovereignty claims against Somaliland's independence bid. Türkiye's military and economic relationship with Somalia has deepened significantly over the past year, including the deployment of F-16 fighters to Mogadishu and the establishment of a joint maritime venture covering Somalia's exclusive economic zone.
Israel's move to establish diplomatic ties with Somaliland has placed it in direct competition with Türkiye across the Horn of Africa. Both countries maintain a presence in Djibouti, both have pursued influence in Somalia, and both have interests in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime security.
***Sources: Anadolu Agency, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs official statement (May 24, 2026), Saudi Gazette, The Peninsula Qatar, Middle East Monitor, Times of Israel and Bosphorus News reporting.