Statement calls visit a flagrant violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: File
Foreign ministers of Pakistan and more than 20 other Muslim-majority countries on Thursday strongly condemned the recent visit of an Israeli official to the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia, calling it a “blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, the Foreign Ministry said.
On December 26 last year, Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state – an act that was completely rejected by the foreign ministers of the Muslim-majority countries in a statement issued on December 27.
On Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Somaliland for the first high-level diplomatic visit after Israel recognized the territory, prompting foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries to issue a statement.
Signatories included, among others, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
🔊PR No.1️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Joint statement on the illegal visit of the Israeli official to the Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on January 6, 2026 https://t.co/7YD2rUnNeP
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WpY4tJJJH4— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 8, 2026
Recalling their previous position, the ministers reiterated their rejection of Israel’s recognition of the region and described the official visit as illegal. “This visit constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and undermines established international norms and the Charter of the United Nations,” the statement added.
The ministers reaffirmed their unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, warning that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and “risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.”
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The declaration further emphasizes that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and respect for diplomatic norms are crucial for regional and global stability.
The foreign ministers also commended Somalia for its commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and respect for international law. They expressed their continued support for the diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
The ministers stressed that Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity, comply with international law and immediately revoke its recognition of Somaliland.
