RIYADH — The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, has strongly opposed reported plans by Somaliland to open a representative office in Jerusalem, warning that such a move could undermine regional stability and contradict international law.
In a firm statement, Albudaiwi said any unilateral political or diplomatic steps that bypass internationally recognized frameworks risk escalating tensions in an already volatile region. He stressed that the GCC maintains a consistent position on respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and established international norms.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, which brings together Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, also reiterated its full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia.
In a statement issued following consultations among member states, the GCC emphasized that all its member countries remain collectively aligned in backing the Federal Government of Somalia. The bloc described Somalia’s territorial unity as a cornerstone of regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
The statement further urged the international community to avoid any actions or engagements that could be interpreted as undermining Somalia’s sovereignty or encouraging unilateral diplomatic initiatives outside recognized state structures.
Somalia has long maintained that any attempts by sub-national entities to conduct independent foreign relations violate its constitution and international law. The renewed GCC position is seen as a diplomatic boost for Mogadishu amid ongoing regional geopolitical sensitivities.
Analysts say the GCC’s clear stance underscores the importance of coordinated international engagement in the Horn of Africa, particularly at a time when Somalia continues efforts to strengthen state institutions and consolidate national unity.
