Saudi Arabia urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to take a unified stance opposing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland during an emergency meeting.
Speaking in Jeddah, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity there today.
He said Riyadh rejects the Israel-Somaliland declaration, calling it a unilateral secessionist move violating international law and United Nations principles outright firmly.
Saudi Arabia warned against creating parallel authorities in Somalia and urged OIC members to avoid engagement with separatist administrations across the region.
Israel became first UN member to recognize Somaliland on December 26, prompting Somalia to condemn the move as illegal.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991, but lacks recognition, as African Union and allies reaffirm Somalia’s territorial unity internationally amid growing regional tensions.
