Islamabad: The twenty-three countries, including Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have expressed their strong condemnation of the recent illegal visit by the Israeli official to the Somaliland Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Tuesday last.

According to Radio Pakistan, the condemnation came in a joint statement issued today by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Trkiye, Yemen, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Foreign Ministers of these countries and the OIC stated that the visit constitutes a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and undermines established international norms and the United Nations Charter.

They recalled an earlier statement issued on the 27th of the last month by the Foreign Ministers, rejecting Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” Region of Somalia. These countries reaffirmed their support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

They underlined that encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region. The joint statement 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 international stability.

They commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy, and adherence to international law. These countries expressed their commitment to continue supporting diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability in line with international law.

The twenty-three countries and OIC stressed that Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity, and honor its obligations in compliance with international law, demanding immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel.