EU urges respect for Somalia's sovereignty after Israel recognizes Somaliland

The EU emphasized the need for unity and dialogue to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa, following Mogadishu's condemnation of Israel's decision.

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

A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army. (AFP)

Israel said on Friday it was officially recognising Somaliland, a first for the self-proclaimed republic that in 1991 declared it had unilaterally seceded from Somalia.

EU foreign affairs spokesman 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 spokesman said in a statement.

"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, Turkey, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation all condemned the decision.

But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence.