Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Back Somalia’s Unity, Address Regional Challenges

RIYADH — Türkiye and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s one-day visit to the kingdom, rejecting what they called separatist moves and parallel structures that threaten the Horn of Africa nation’s unity.

In a statement released Wednesday by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate following Erdogan’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, the leaders stressed their “unwavering support” for the Federal Republic of Somalia and efforts to preserve the country’s stability, development and the welfare of its people.

The two sides also repudiated a recent declaration of mutual recognition between Israeli authorities and North Western State of Somalia, saying it reinforces unilateral separatist actions, violates international law and escalates regional tensions. Israel announced in late December that it had recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. North Western State of Somalia has functioned as a de facto autonomous region since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not received formal international recognition; Somalia’s federal government maintains the region is an integral part of its territory.

Beyond Somalia, Ankara and Riyadh outlined aligned positions on several regional flashpoints, emphasizing state sovereignty, territorial integrity and civilian protection:

• Yemen: The countries reiterated support for Yemen’s legitimate authorities, represented by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and the Yemeni government. Türkiye voiced support for Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing a political settlement and for efforts led by the PLC chief to promote national reconciliation, including a proposed comprehensive conference in Riyadh that would bring together southern groups.
• Sudan: The leaders reaffirmed a common stance aimed at preserving Sudan’s unity, security and sovereignty, while rejecting any illegitimate or parallel structures outside lawful state institutions. They underscored the need to prevent Sudan from becoming a hub for conflict, illicit activity and the illegal flow of foreign weapons, and urged protection of civilians and unhindered delivery of aid in line with international humanitarian law and the Jeddah Declaration of May 2023. Türkiye praised Saudi efforts to help end the war and ease the suffering of Sudanese civilians, while Riyadh expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s humanitarian assistance and crisis-response operations. Both sides welcomed the Sudanese Armed Forces’ decision to keep the Adre border crossing with Chad open for a longer period and to reopen several airports and crossings to facilitate aid.
• Syria: Ankara and Riyadh commended what they described as responsible steps by the Syrian government to preserve security, stability and territorial integrity, and welcomed international efforts to support Damascus and lift sanctions. They voiced support for the Jan. 30 cease-fire and integration agreement, reaffirmed backing for efforts to combat terrorist groups and promote civil peace, and condemned repeated Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty. The two countries renewed their call for Israel’s immediate withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories, warning that continued attacks undermine international law and risk broader regional escalation.

The joint statements reflect a shared emphasis on state legitimacy and noninterference across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, echoing recent diplomatic messaging from both Ankara and Riyadh. The meeting in Riyadh, part of Erdogan’s one-day official visit, underscored a convergence on stabilizing conflict zones through support for recognized national institutions and the facilitation of humanitarian relief.

While the communiqué did not detail new initiatives or timelines, the coordinated positions on Somalia, Yemen, Sudan and Syria signal continued cooperation between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia on sensitive regional dossiers, including opposition to separatist bids, support for cease-fires and reconciliation forums, and calls for compliance with international law.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.