Saudi Arabia warns against foreign interference in Somalia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity, rejecting any foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs or attempts to undermine its territorial integrity.

The position was underscored during a meeting of the Saudi Cabinet chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, which endorsed the outcome of an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Jeddah to discuss the situation in Somalia.

In a statement, the Cabinet said the kingdom rejects any actions that conflict with Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, including efforts to divide the country or create parallel administrations.

The remarks come amid growing opposition among regional and Islamic countries to Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained international recognition.

Saudi Arabia’s stance followed similar comments from Egypt. Earlier, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned Israel’s move, calling it a violation of international law and an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

In remarks released Thursday, Abdelatty also stressed the importance of strengthening Egypt’s bilateral cooperation with Somalia in areas including security, trade, infrastructure, electricity, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt were among the first countries to publicly reject Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reflecting what officials describe as a broader regional consensus in support of Somalia’s unity.

Somalia’s federal government has intensified diplomatic efforts to counter recognition initiatives, insisting that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Somali state under international law.

GAROWE ONLINE