Speaking at a joint press conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Thursday in Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said their talks addressed recent developments in Somalia, stressing Cairo’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Abdelatty said Egypt “categorically rejects” Israel’s decision to recognize the self-declared Somaliland region, warning that the move undermines state sovereignty and violates international law.
“This is a dangerous precedent that threatens peace, security, and stability at the regional and international levels,” Abdelatty said, adding that Egypt’s position on the matter is “clear and unequivocal.”
He stressed the importance of preserving Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, noting that the Israeli recognition is “illegal and illegitimate” and represents a direct threat to the unity and safety of African states.
Abdelatty said there is a unified regional and international rejection of the move. He announced that he would be participating in an emergency ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Saturday to discuss what he described as an “extremely dangerous development” that has no legal or legitimate basis and constitutes a blatant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and of international law.
The Egyptian FM also warned that the move poses serious risks to maritime security in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, stressing that such actions “cannot be accepted, ignored, or treated with leniency.”
“The recognition and the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Somaliland are condemned, rejected, illegal, and illegitimate,” Abdelatty said. “Egypt will continue to work with Arab and African partners, as well as Europe and Washington, to prevent other countries from recognizing this entity, as doing so would lead to grave risks to security and stability.”
He concluded by underscoring that the sanctity of borders is a fundamental principle that must not be violated, stressing Egypt’s rejection of separatist entities and unlawful actions that threaten the unity and territorial integrity of states.
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