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JEDDAH:
Foreign ministers from Islamic countries passed two major resolutions on Sunday condemning Israel’s actions towards 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 from member countries to discuss developments affecting Somalia, Palestine and regional stability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended 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 blatant violation of international law and a direct attack on Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. He also condemned the subsequent visit of an Israeli official to Somaliland.
He described the visit as 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.
“Failure to respect sovereignty can have far-reaching global consequences,” Dar warned. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that internationally recognized borders with Somalia were sacred and inviolable and that Somaliland remained an integral part of the country.
“No external actor has either the legal status or the moral authority to change the fundamental reality,” Dar said, adding that any recognition or declaration regarding Somalia’s territory should be considered null and void, having no political or legal effect.
The Deputy Prime Minister maintained that recognition of an integral part of a sovereign state was not an act of diplomacy but an act of political aggression that threatens peace, security and stability in a strategically sensitive region.
Dar noted that Pakistan had expressed firm support for Somalia and condemned Israel’s actions during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing, stressing that state sovereignty and territorial integrity constituted peremptory norms of international law.
He said Pakistan joined other OIC member countries in unequivocally rejecting Israel’s move through a joint statement released immediately after the supposed recognition of Somaliland, reflecting the collective Islamic opposition.
The joint statement, he explained, described the recognition of parts of sovereign states as a violation of cardinal principles of international law and the UN Charter, and warned of serious consequences for regional and international security.
Dar stressed that a firm rejection by the OIC and the wider international community was essential 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 reforms and revitalization of state institutions.
Dar highlighted positive trends in Somalia’s financial sector, economic legislation and efforts towards inclusive one-man-one-vote elections, describing these as important steps towards the consolidation of democracy and long-term stability.
“These gains reflect a Somali-owned 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 acknowledged the sacrifices and resilience of the Somali people and security forces in confronting threats from Al-Shabab and 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 harming global security.
Reiterating Pakistan’s alignment with the OIC, Dar urged all states and organizations to desist from any engagement with Somaliland authorities that did not strictly respect Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
Regarding Palestine, Dar categorically rejected any proposal or plan aimed at the forcible displacement of Palestinians, stressing that such actions violated international law and undermined the prospects for lasting peace.
A supporter of UNSCR 2803 and the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”, Dar said Pakistan intended to contribute to the implementation efforts to maintain the ceasefire, end the war and address humanitarian suffering.
Dar also raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing it as South Asia’s primary conflict and a nuclear flashpoint, and called for renewed efforts under the auspices of the United Nations for a just solution. He appreciated the OIC’s consistent support to the Kashmiri people.
According to an OIC statement, the council’s resolutions conveyed a clear message of upholding sovereignty, rejecting Israel’s actions and strengthening collective resolve amid a delicate regional and international environment.
