Saudi Arabia alongside Muslim-majority states condemned the visit by the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday to Somalia’s breakaway region Somaliland, according to Al Arabiya.
Joint Statement
In a joint statement with 21 other states including Egypt, Algeria, Qatar, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia expressed its “strong condemnation” of Saar’s “recent illegal visit” to the breakaway region.
The visit came after Israel formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state in December 2025, marking the first nation to sign a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Saudi Arabia stated that the visit “constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and undermines established international norms and United Nations Charter.”
The joint statement reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
It also underscored that respect for international law, non‑interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms remain vital pillars of regional and global stability.
“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.
Israeli Recognition
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.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin 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.”
Saudi Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
On Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a landmark meeting with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, in Riyadh.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom’s full support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and its utter rejection of any moves that threaten its security and stability.
The announcement of recognition 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, China, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation all denounced the move.
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