Statement describes the visit as a clear violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Archive
The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and more than 20 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 “clear violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Foreign Ministry said.
On December 26 of last year, Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, an act that was completely rejected by the foreign ministers of 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 following Israel’s recognition of the territory, prompting the foreign ministers of Muslim-majority countries to issue a statement.
Signatories included Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Türkiye, Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, among others.
🔊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. “Such a visit constitutes a clear 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 statement further emphasized that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and compliance with diplomatic norms are crucial for regional and global stability.
The foreign ministers also praised Somalia for its commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and compliance with 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 emphasized that Israel should fully respect the sovereignty and national unity of Somalia, comply with international law and immediately revoke its recognition of Somaliland.
