RIYADH — Representatives of 21 Arab, Islamic and African countries on Saturday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move violates international law and threatens regional stability.

In a joint statement released by the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, the countries said Israel’s decision set a “serious precedent” that endangers international peace and security.

The statement said the recognition violates the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, which affirm the sovereignty of states and their territorial integrity, and accused Israel of pursuing an expansionist agenda.

It described the move as a sign of Israel’s “blatant disregard for international law” and warned of “serious repercussions” for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

The ministers reaffirmed their full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, expressing their “unequivocal rejection of any measures that undermine the unity of Somalia or its sovereignty over its entire territory.”

They also rejected any attempt to link the recognition of Somaliland with proposals to forcibly displace Palestinians, saying such ideas are categorically rejected under international law.

Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, drawing widespread criticism from countries across Africa and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, which was among the signatories to Saturday’s statement.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since functioned as a de facto autonomous political and security entity, but it has never gained international recognition.

The Somali government rejects Somaliland’s claim to statehood, considers it an integral part of Somali territory, and regards any direct engagement with the region as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and unity. — Agencies