Somalia Reaffirms Sovereignty at Beijing Press Conference After Israel’s Somaliland Recognition Claim
The Somali Embassy in Beijing hosts a press briefing on national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the People’s Republic of China on Thursday held a press conference in Beijing following Israel’s unilateral announcement claiming recognition of a part of Somalia’s territory.
The Federal Government of Somalia reiterated its official and unwavering position on the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, stressing that these principles are non-negotiable.
The press conference was led by Somalia’s Ambassador to China, Dr. Hodan Osman Abdi, who stated that Israel’s move violates international law and has no legal or political effect on the status of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Ambassador Hodan emphasized that Somalia is a unified and sovereign state, with internationally recognized borders dating back to its independence in 1960. She said every part of Somali territory is an inseparable component of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and no foreign entity has the authority to alter its unity or borders.
She further noted that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the issue during an emergency joint session of both houses of Parliament, calling on all Somalis to demonstrate national unity, vigilance, and resilience in defense of the country’s sovereignty.
The ambassador underlined that this position reflects a consensus across all government institutions, adding that the Somali people have overwhelmingly shown that national unity is not subject to negotiation.
In conclusion, Ambassador Hodan Osman Abdi expressed gratitude to countries and international organizations that have stood by Somalia in accordance with international law, giving special thanks to the Government of China for its clear and consistent support for Somalia’s independence, unity, and territorial integrity.
