Saudi Arabia reaffirms support for Somalia’s sovereignty after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) – Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its support on Tuesday for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, following Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland.

In a Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia rejected the declaration of mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland.

Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday.

Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region, and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.