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JEDDA:
The Foreign Ministers of Islamic countries on Sunday adopted two important resolutions condemning Israel’s actions in Somaliland and Palestine, while reaffirming support for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened the 22nd extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah, which brought together foreign ministers of member states to deliberate on developments affecting Somalia, Palestine and regional stability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the high-level meeting. Addressing the council, Dar strongly condemned Israel’s illegal and unlawful recognition of the Somaliland region as an independent state.
He described the Israeli move as a flagrant violation of international law and a direct attack on Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. He also denounced the subsequent visit of an Israeli official to Somaliland.
He called the visit unjustified, highly provocative and politically aggressive, with the potential to destabilize an already fragile region. Dar warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent and pose a serious threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
“Contempt for sovereignty could have far-reaching global consequences,” Dar warned. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that Somalia’s internationally recognized borders were sacrosanct and inviolable and that Somaliland remained an integral part of the country.
“No external actor has the legal capacity or moral authority to alter that fundamental reality,” Dar said, adding that any recognition or declaration regarding Somalia’s territory should be considered null and void, producing no political or legal effect.
The Deputy Prime Minister maintained that the recognition of an integral part of a sovereign State was not a diplomatic act but an act of political aggression, which threatened peace, security and stability in a strategically sensitive region.
Dar noted that Pakistan had expressed its strong support for Somalia and condemned Israel’s actions during a briefing of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), underlining that state sovereignty and territorial integrity constituted peremptory norms of international law.
He said Pakistan joined other OIC member states in unequivocally rejecting Israel’s move through a joint statement released immediately after Somaliland’s purported recognition, reflecting collective Islamic opposition.
The joint statement, he explained, described the recognition of parts of sovereign States as a violation of the cardinal principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, warning of serious repercussions for regional and international security.
Dar emphasized that strong rejection by the OIC and the broader international community was vital to prevent the Israeli action from setting a precedent that could encourage similar violations elsewhere.
He said developments in the Horn of Africa were particularly alarming at a time when Somalia was demonstrating tangible progress in national reconciliation, constitutional reform and the revitalization of state institutions.
Dar highlighted positive trends in Somalia’s financial sector, economic legislation and efforts towards inclusive one-person, one-vote elections, describing them as important steps towards consolidating democracy and long-term stability.
“These achievements reflect a Somali-led and Somali-led path towards political reconciliation and cooperation,” he said, warning that such momentum must be protected rather than undermined by divisive external actions.
He recognized the sacrifices and resilience of the Somali people and security forces in confronting the threats posed by Al-Shabab and its affiliated groups, and stressed the importance of continued international support.
Dar warned that Israel’s actions undermined regional and international counterterrorism efforts and risked creating fragile environments vulnerable to extremist exploitation, thereby damaging global security.
Reiterating Pakistan’s alignment with the OIC, Dar called on all states and organizations to refrain from any form of engagement with the Somaliland authorities that does not strictly respect the sovereignty and unity of Somalia.
Regarding Palestine, Dar categorically rejected any proposals or plans aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians, highlighting that such actions violated international law and undermined prospects for lasting peace.
As a supporter of UNSCR 2803 and the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”, Dar said Pakistan intended to contribute to implementation efforts to sustain the ceasefire, end the war and address humanitarian suffering.
Dar also raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing it as South Asia’s major conflict and a nuclear flashpoint, and urged renewed efforts under the auspices of the UN for a just resolution. He appreciated the constant support of OIC to the people of Kashmir.
According to an OIC statement, the council’s resolutions conveyed a clear message about defending sovereignty, rejecting Israel’s actions and strengthening collective resolve amid a delicate regional and international environment.
