Pakistan condemned on Saturday Israel’s announcement to recognise the “so-called Somaliland region” of the Federal Republic of Somalia, stating that it was an attempt to undermine “the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia”.

Israel on Friday formally recognised Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties.

 “Pakistan strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and rejects, in this regard, the announcement made by Israel recognising the independence of the so-called Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

 “Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region.”

Pakistan called on the international community to reject “any such actions, and prevent and deter Israel from undermining the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the broader region”.

“Pakistan also reiterates its unequivocal rejection of any steps aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land under any circumstances, and reaffirms 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,” the FO said.