Jeddah, January 10 (QNA) - The State of Qatar took part in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss developments in the situation in the Federal Republic of Somalia, convened Saturday in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi led the State of Qatar's delegation at the meeting.

In Qatar's speech before the meeting, HE Al Muraikhi noted that the meeting is being held at an extremely sensitive time amid rapid developments, prompting OIC member states to uphold a collective responsibility in defending the principles of sovereignty and respect for international law, in addition to protecting security and stability in the region, the Horn of Africa region, and the Red Sea.

Al Muraikhi reiterated the State of Qatar's vehement condemnation of Israel's recognition of the "Somaliland" region of the Federal Republic of Somalia as an independent state.

He stressed that this move constitutes a unilateral measure that contravenes the very essence of international law, undermines the sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and represents a grave precedent that goes in contrast with the principles of international law, as well as the United Nations and OIC Charters.

HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs stressed Qatar's full and unflinching support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, its enduring commitment to its national unity and territorial integrity, and its flat-out rejection of any attempts that compromise these immutable constants.

Qatar stresses that the "Somaliland" region is part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Somalia, that it has no international legal status, and that any attempt to recognize its secession is null and void under the provisions of international law, HE Al Muraikhi underlined.

This position, Al Muraikhi stressed, is fully consistent with the outcomes of the 15th Islamic Summit held in Banjul in 2023, which called for the unequivocal rejection of any breach of Somalia's sovereignty and for unwavering support for the sovereign rights of the Federal Republic of Somalia over its entire territory, airspace, and territorial waters.

Al Muraikhi went on to assert that the State of Qatar backs the legitimate institutions of the Somali State and is committed to safeguarding the security and stability of Somalia, as well as the interests of its brotherly people.

The State of Qatar forged ahead to marshal constant efforts to undertake a pivotal role in backing peace, security, stability, and development in Somalia, including the provision of development support in areas such as health, education, and economic empowerment, in addition to responding to emergency relief needs and other types of support, he pointed out.

Al Muraikhi elaborated that Qatar continues to advance diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Somalia in service of shared interests, objectives, and aspirations.

He reaffirmed the State of Qatar's standing with Somalia and its government in rejecting any measures that would compromise the unity of Somalia, its territorial integrity, and its sovereignty over its entire territory, renewing the State of Qatar's call for concerted global efforts to maintain security and stability in the Horn of Africa region.

HE Al Muraikhi outlined that the recognition of the Somaliland region by the Israeli occupation authorities came as a continuation of a series of acts that violate the rights of the Palestinian people, extending to countries of the region. He warned that such practices will only lead to serious consequences for regional and global security.

In addition, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs stressed the State of Qatar's unequivocal rejection of any attempt to link this measure with any plans to displace the Palestinian people outside their territory.

He reiterated Qatar's enduring position in supporting the Palestinian cause and the resilience of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on resolutions of international legitimacy and the two-state solution, to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. (QNA)