The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Lebanon’s full support for the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia and its complete support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry expressed its categorical rejection of the mutual recognition announced between Israel and the Somaliland region. The ministry stressed the need to adhere to international law and the Charter of the United Nations, while rejecting any attempts to establish parallel entities that could threaten the unity and sovereignty of states, as well as their internationally recognized borders. The ministry renewed its support for the legitimate government institutions in Somalia and the stability of the country, while emphasizing its rejection of any efforts aimed at undermining Somalia’s security and territorial integrity.
It is noteworthy that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last Friday Israel’s recognition of the Somaliland region as an “independent sovereign state,” an unprecedented move that included the signing of a declaration of mutual recognition and a move towards expanding cooperation and establishing diplomatic relations. This comes at a time when the Somali government insists on its absolute rejection of any recognition of the region’s secession.
