Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has joined more than 20 countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in condemning a high-profile visit by Israeli foreign minister to Somaliland calling the trip a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.
On January 6, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar travelled to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, making him one of the highest-ranking Israeli officials to visit the self-declared region following Tel Aviv’s controversial recognition of Somaliland as an independent state last month.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, foreign minister from countries including Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Niger, Palestine, Qatar, Sudan, and others, along with OIC, said Sarr’s visit was an “Unauthorized incursion” and a clear violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The joint statement reiterated the firm backing of more than 20 countries for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, warning that supporting separatist movements could further destabilize an already fragile region.
It stressed that respect for international law, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and global stability.
Read More: Pakistan, UNSC Members Condemn Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
The countries pledged continued diplomatic and legal support to Somalia’s efforts to protect its territorial integrity and urged Israel to reverse its recognition of Somaliland, calling on Tel Aviv to respect Somalia’s national unity and international legal obligations.
The statement also recalled that Pakistan and other OIC members had earlier rejected Israel’s move as a clear violation of international law.
Somaliland, which controls the northwestern territory of Somalia and has operated independently since 1991, has struggled to win international recognition despite having its own currency, passports, and security forces.
Israel’s decision last month to recognize Somaliland was a first for any country and has fueled concern from governments that see the move as undermining Somalia’s territorial unity and risking broader regional tensions.
The joint condemnation builds on an earlier declaration issued at the end of December, when Pakistan and other OIC members rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a breach of international law and a disregard for the United Nations Charter.
By speaking with a unified voice, Pakistan and its partners emphasized that respect for sovereignty and adherence to established diplomatic norms are vital to peace in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Minahil Khurshid holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from CIPS, NUST. She has a strong interest in current affairs, geopolitics, and policy analysis.
