A group of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Mauritania issued a joint statement strongly condemning Somaliland’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem.
The ministers described the move as an “illegal step,” arguing that it violates international law. They erroneously wrote that the move undermines the legal and historical status of Jerusalem.
The hostile statement follows recent reports that Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi had agreed to establish an embassy in Jerusalem. Sa’ar described the move as a significant development that strengthens Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s capital and deepens diplomatic ties between the two sides.
Last December, Israel become the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign country, in what was described as a historic step. According to reports, this recognition was linked to discussions involving Somaliland potentially accepting Gazan emigres in the future. Since then, Israel and Somaliland have discussed economic and security cooperation.
Beyond the diplomatic exchange, Somaliland’s strategic position near the Gulf of Aden is considered significant due to its proximity to key maritime routes. Strengthening ties with the territory could potentially expand Israel’s regional reach in a sensitive corridor, particularly given ongoing tensions involving Houthi forces in Yemen.