Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and a group of Arab, Islamic and African countries on Friday issued a joint statement strongly condemning the recent visit by an Israeli official to the Somaliland region. They described it as illegal and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was jointly endorsed by the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, Türkiye, Yemen, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The ministers rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and condemned the Israeli official’s visit to the region on Jan. 6, stressing that Somaliland is an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

They said the visit constitutes a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, undermines international law and the United Nations Charter, and risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.

The joint statement reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, independence and territorial integrity, and warned that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and destabilizing.

The ministers emphasized that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and international stability.

They also commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, and expressed continued support for diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty and national unity.

The statement called on Israel to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, comply with international law, and immediately revoke its recognition of the Somaliland region.