ISLAMABAD: Pakistan firmly rejected attempts to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “illegal and provocative” and urging international action to protect peace and stability, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Saturday.
In a statement, the foreign office said Pakistan fully supports the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and backs all efforts to ensure enduring peace and stability in the country.
It added that Pakistan also reiterated its “unequivocal rejection” of any steps aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land under any circumstances.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, with Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, saying his state will join the Abraham Accords.
Qatar condemns Israel’s Somaliland recognition
The Foreign Ministry of Qatar said on X, that it strongly rejects the announcement of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, affirming that this action sets a dangerous precedent.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the State of Qatar’s rejection of any attempts aimed at establishing or imposing parallel entities that would undermine the unity of Somalia and reaffirms its full support for the legitimate institutions of the Somali state,” the statement added.
Palestine authorities' reaction
The Palestinian foreign ministry said on X that Israel had previously cited Somaliland as a potential destination for deporting Palestinians, particularly those from the Gaza Strip.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates recalls that Israel had previously used the name Somaliland as a destination for the deportation of members of our Palestinian people, especially from the Gaza Strip,” the statement added.
Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination and for a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
US reaction
United States President Donald Trump said he opposed US recognition of Somaliland in an interview with the New York Post published Friday, after Israeli Prime Minister and prominent Trump ally Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would become the first country to recognize it, reported AFP.
"No," the president told the Post when asked about US recognition of Somaliland, adding, "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?"
