Overview
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Israel’s move “illegitimate and unacceptable” at a press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara.
- Somalia’s leader traveled to Turkey for consultations, with Turkish officials citing plans to deepen cooperation, bolster counterterrorism efforts, and support national unity.
- Israel announced on Friday that it recognizes Somaliland, marking the first time any country has formally acknowledged the self-declared region in northern Somalia.
- The European Union, a coalition of Arab and Islamic countries, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation issued condemnations of Israel’s decision.
- During an emergency UN Security Council session, U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce defended Israel’s right to conduct diplomatic relations and criticized what she called Council double standards.