Pakistan, along with 13 other Muslim-majority countries, has strongly condemned Somaliland’s announcement to open a purported embassy in Jerusalem, describing the move as “illegal and unacceptable.” The joint statement warned that the decision violates international law and undermines the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem.

The statement was jointly issued by the foreign ministries of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Indonesia, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Djibouti, and Lebanon. The countries categorically rejected what they described as unilateral actions aimed at legitimizing arrangements that contradict United Nations resolutions on Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories.

The countries also reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any steps that could weaken the unity of Somali territory. Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received broad international recognition.

The controversy follows Israel’s growing diplomatic engagement with Somaliland in recent months, including the appointment of diplomatic representatives and discussions surrounding recognition of the territory. Several countries and organizations, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have warned that such actions could destabilize the Horn of Africa and further inflame tensions in the Middle East.