Pakistan and OIC join 22 Muslim nations condemning Israeli visit

OIC – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Pakistan, along with 22 other Muslim countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Thursday strongly criticized Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s recent visit to Somaliland, calling it a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

Saar traveled to Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, on January 6, shortly after Israel announced its decision to recognize the region— which has broken away from Somalia— as an independent state. The move sparked widespread backlash across the Muslim world, including from Pakistan, which said the recognition violates the UN Charter and established principles of international law.

Earlier reports by international media had suggested that Israel had engaged with Somaliland regarding the possible resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza. Muslim nations have expressed concern that Israel’s recognition of the disputed territory may be linked to plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza against their will.

According to the joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the visit was described as a “clear infringement of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia” and a direct challenge to internationally accepted norms and the United Nations Charter.

The joint statement was issued on behalf of 23 Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, Türkiye, Oman and others.

It reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing out that respect for international law and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states was necessary for regional stability.

“Encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region,” the statement said.

The joint statement urged Israel to revoke its recognition of the breakaway region.

“Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honor its obligations in compliance with international law, and demand immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel,” the statement read.

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Somaliland broke away from Somalia unilaterally in 1991 as a civil war raged in the country. Somaliland has its own constitution, parliament and currency, a move that has infuriated Somalia over the years as it insists the region is part of its territory.