Foreign ministers from 16 Arab and Islamic countries, including the Palestinian Authority, issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning the decision by the self-declared region of “Somaliland” to open a purported "embassy" in occupied al-Quds.

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Mauritania, and Algeria strongly denounced what they called the illegal and unacceptable step taken by the self-proclaimed “Somaliland” region in announcing the opening of a so-called embassy in occupied al-Quds.

In their joint statement, the ministers said the move constitutes “a flagrant violation of international law and relevant international resolutions” and represents “a direct assault on the legal and historical status of occupied al-Quds.”

The countries reaffirmed their categorical rejection of any unilateral measures aimed at “consolidating an illegitimate reality in occupied al-Quds or granting legitimacy to any entities or arrangements that violate international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.”

The ministers also reiterated that the East of al-Quds has been occupied Palestinian territory since 1967 and stressed that any measures seeking to alter its legal or historical status are “null and void and without any legal effect.”

In addition, the statement emphasized the ministers’ full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, while rejecting any unilateral actions that undermine Somali territorial unity or violate its sovereignty.

Last Tuesday, the self-declared region known as “Somaliland” announced plans to open an embassy in al-Quds, a move that was welcomed by Israel.

Mohamed Haji, the region’s representative to the Israeli entity, wrote in a post on the social media platform X that "I am pleased to announce that the Embassy of the Republic of Somaliland will be established in Jerusalem."

He added that "the embassy would open soon, while Israel would also inaugurate its embassy in Hargeisa, in a move that reflects growing friendship, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation,” according to his claim.

The Zionist entity announced its recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, becoming the first state to officially recognize the region. The move was rejected by Somalia and drew widespread regional and international criticism against the Zionist entity.