The European Union has emphasised that Somalia's sovereignty should be respected after Israel formally recognised its northern region of Somaliland as an independent state.

Israel said on Friday it was officially recognising Somaliland.

EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc "reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia pursuant of its constitution, the Charters of the African Union and the United Nations."

"This is key for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Dialogue

"The EU encourages meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long standing differences," he added.

After Israel's move, Mogadishu denounced a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Türkiye, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation all condemned the decision.