China Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Urges End to Separatist Activities
China’s Foreign Ministry announced Beijing’s opposition to any attempts to divide territories in Somalia, stressing Chinese support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the East African country, according to Reuters.
The ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that no state has the right to support or urge other countries’ internal separatist forces to gain “selfish interests” for itself.
Jian also called on authorities in Somaliland to put an end to their “separatist activities and collusion with external forces”.
On Friday, Israel formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, marking the first nation to sign a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Somaliland became part of the Somali Republic in 1960, but then broke away in 1991, declaring independence and establishing a de facto state.
Despite having informal diplomatic ties with multiple nations, Somaliland’s sovereignty had never been recognized by any permanent UN member state until Friday, December 26.
Netanyahu described the recognition as a significant step towards “expanding our partnership. We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, and the fields of social development.”
Moreover, he invited Abdullahi to formally visit Israel and he accepted.
The Israeli PM also promised Abdullahi to convey his desire to join the Abraham Accords to the US President Donald Trump.
The announcement drew strong condemnations and sparked several concerns regionally and internationally.
Somalia’s government, backed by the African Union, has reacted angrily after the recognition, while Mogadishu labeled it as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Egypt, Turkey, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation all denounced the move.
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Arab, Islamic States Reject Israel’s Somaliland Recognition at Expense of Palestinians
The Horn of Africa: A Crucible of Conflict and Transformation
Saudi Arabia Stresses Keenness on Somalia’s Sovereignty, Unity
