Pakistan joins 23 countries, OIC to condemn Israeli official's visit to Somaliland

Islamabad (Web Desk): A coalition of 23 countries, including Pakistan, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has strongly criticized what it termed an unlawful visit by an Israeli official to the Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia earlier this week.

The condemnation was voiced through a collective statement released on Wednesday by the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Yemen, along with the OIC.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), the ministers and the OIC stated that the visit represented a direct infringement of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also violating established international principles and the United Nations Charter.

They recalled that the same group had already issued a statement on the 27th of last month rejecting Israel’s move to recognize the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Reaffirming their position, the countries reiterated their steadfast support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial wholeness. They warned that promoting separatist ambitions is unacceptable and could further inflame instability in an already sensitive and fragile region.

The joint declaration emphasized that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and strict observance of diplomatic norms are vital for maintaining both regional and global peace and stability.

The ministers also acknowledged and appreciated Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international relations, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international legal obligations.

They further expressed their determination to continue supporting Somalia through diplomatic and legal channels to help protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in line with international law.

The statement concluded with a clear call on Israel to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, to fulfill its obligations under international law, and to immediately withdraw the recognition it has extended in this matter.