Declaration calls the visit a clear violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: File
The 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 “clear 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 and sovereign state – an action that was roundly 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 since Israel’s recognition of the territory, prompting foreign ministers from Muslim-majority countries to issue a statement.
The signatories included Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, 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) 8 January 2026
Recalling their previous position, the ministers reiterated their rejection of Israel’s recognition of the region and described the official visit as illegal. “The said visit constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and undermines established international norms and the UN Charter,” the statement added.
Reaffirming their unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the ministers warned that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and “risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region”.
Read: Pakistan stays in Pak-China-Afghan forum, seeks action against terrorists
The statement further emphasized that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and global stability.
The foreign ministers also commended Somalia for its commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international law. They expressed their continued support for diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
The ministers stressed that Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity, abide by international law and immediately withdraw its recognition of Somaliland.
