JEDDAH (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that by recognising Somaliland and sending its foreign minister there, Israel has launched a direct attack on Somalia’s internationally recognised borders.
Addressing the extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday, he said that Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the illegal and unrealistic act of the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Somaliland.
He stated that Pakistan respects and supports Somalia’s sovereignty.
Dar, who is also deputy prime minister, said that Pakistan condemns the visit of the Israeli foreign minister to Somaliland and fully supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He added that the Israeli foreign minister’s visit is extremely alarming and constitutes a direct attack on internationally recognised borders.
He said that under international law, a state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental, and no external entity or state has the legal or moral right to alter this reality. Any such statement or action will have no legal or political effect.
Dar said that the Israeli move poses a threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Pakistan, along with OIC, has rejected Israel’s action in a joint statement. Pakistan appreciates the sacrifices of the Somali people and security forces, he added.
The deputy prime minister said that Israel’s action could undermine global and regional efforts against terrorism. Pakistan has also condemned Israel’s action at the United Nations, stating that it violates international law and the UN Charter.
He said that the Israeli action could have serious repercussions in the region and that no attempt to damage Somalia’s development and stability will be allowed. Somalia has made significant progress in national reconciliation and constitutional reforms, and strengthening state institutions and ensuring transparent reforms in the economic sector are essential.
Dar clarified that elections based on the public vote are the true symbol of Somalia’s development, and that any form of forced displacement is a violation of international law.
Foreign Minister Dar emphasized that Pakistan stands with the Palestinian people in their right to self-determination. He said efforts are necessary to end the war in Gaza and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and that Pakistan will cooperate with the OIC and Arab countries for the Palestinian right to self-determination.
'OIC SUPPORTSSOMALIA'S SOVEREIGNTY'
Earlier, Addressing the meeting, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha said that the organisation supports Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that the Israeli move regarding Somaliland is a violation of international law.
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Elkhereiji said that all attempts to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty are rejected. He stated that the Somali government can unite countries in the region through dialogue and emphasized moving to the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian said they support Somalia’s UN-recognised borders, and that Israel’s move to recognise Somaliland is a violation of international law.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali said they will not allow any country to use Somali land, stressing that any violation of Somalia’s borders is a violation of its sovereignty. He added that so-called Somaliland is an integral part of federal Somalia and that Israeli actions constitute a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Speaking at the meeting, the Turkish representative said that Israel’s move to recognise Somaliland is unacceptable, and reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
Also read: Ishaq Dar reaches Jeddah to attend OIC meeting on Somaliland dispute
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reached Saudi Arabia to attend the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting on the Somaliland dispute.