An OIC statement said the meeting aims to coordinate a unified Islamic position and reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with international law and existing OIC resolutions.

The meeting was convened after Israel announced on 26 December its recognition of the self-declared Somaliland, a region that broke away from Somalia in 1991 and has not been recognized by the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU). 

The Israeli move has drawn condemnation from Arab, Islamic, and African states. Israel’s decision was followed by a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Somaliland, further escalating regional tensions.

Somalia has condemned Israel’s move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that risks undermining regional stability.

In a joint statement issued on 27 December, the foreign ministers of 22 Arab, Islamic, and African countries, along with the OIC, condemned Israel’s recognition as a threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

A subsequent statement described Sa’ar’s visit as a “clear violation” of international law.

According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty will deliver Egypt’s statement at the meeting and hold bilateral talks with officials on the sidelines.

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