Saudi FM Meets Somali Counterpart, Reiterates Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
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 on Sunday, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The meeting comes at a crucial time as 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 Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty
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.
Both ministers discussed bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Somalia and explored several ways to boost cooperation and coordination across a range of sectors.
They also exchanged views on the latest regional developments and other issues of common concern.
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, China, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation all denounced the move.
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