This handout photograph taken and released by the Turkish presidential press service shows Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (L) during a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey. AFP
"Preserving the unity and integrity of Somalia in all circumstances holds special importance in our view. Israel's decision to recognise Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable," Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a press conference alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Israel sparked criticism last Friday when it said it was officially recognising Somaliland -- a breakaway territory in Somalia's north.
The declaration was a first for the territory, which in 1991 had unilaterally declared secession from Somalia.
Israel's move has drawn widespread criticism from the African Union, Egypt and the European Union, which insist on Somalia's sovereignty.
Mohamud said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "aggressive position, which also includes Somalia, is unacceptable".
He called Netanyahu's Somaliland declaration "a violation of international law" and "the start of insecurity and instability, especially for Somalia and the African region".
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