The Government of Maldives has condemned in the strongest terms Israel’s decision to recognize “Somaliland”—a region that has seceded from and is fighting against the state of Somalia—as an independent, sovereign nation, declaring it an act in violation of international law. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, while speaking at the 22nd Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

During this meeting, convened to consult among member states regarding Israel’s decision, Minister Khaleel stated that Israel’s recognition of a territory that is part of Somalia as a separate state is a direct encroachment on Somalia’s independence and sovereignty. Noting that this is an illegal decision that clearly contradicts the UN Charter and international conventions, the Minister expressed the Government’s deep concern over the matter.

Furthermore, referring to the regional situation in the Middle East, the Minister stated that Israel’s disrespect for international law, at a time when inhumane crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people are escalating, poses a threat to global stability. The Minister also highlighted that the weakening of the international legal order is a major challenge to the safety and security of small island nations like the Maldives that rely on legal norms.