Iran condemns Israeli FM’s visit to Somalia

Iran has strongly condemned the visit of Israel’s foreign minister to Somaliland, describing it as an illegal intrusion and interference in Somalia’s affairs.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, called the visit a “blatant violation” of Somalia’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

He warned that the move undermines the legal and normative foundations of the United Nations.

Baghaei highlighted the international community’s repeated calls to respect Somalia’s sovereignty as an independent state and UN member. He described the Israeli action as an attempt to divide Somalia, which he termed “a dangerous heresy in international relations.”

The Iranian diplomat also stressed the importance of cooperation between the international community, as well as Islamic and African countries, to safeguard Somalia’s territorial integrity and prevent external interference.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is visiting Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region in East Africa, where he is scheduled to meet the region’s president, officials said.

The visit comes 10 days after Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that has drawn criticism from Somalia, which has long opposed Somaliland’s bid for secession.

A senior Somaliland official confirmed Saar’s presence, while a second source familiar with the trip also verified the visit. The Israeli foreign ministry did not immediately comment when asked for confirmation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev