Bangladesh backs Somalia’s sovereignty at OIC Meet

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity at an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened to address recent regional developments.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made the remarks while addressing the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Bangladesh aligns itself fully with the collective resolve of the OIC to uphold international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, and the unity and solidarity of the Muslim world,” the adviser said.
The session was convened to deliberate on recent developments following Israel’s recognition of the so-called Somaliland and its implications for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as broader regional and international ramifications.
During his intervention, Adviser Touhid urged the OIC to categorically reject and condemn Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” and to reaffirm, in the strongest possible terms, its full and unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He further underscored that the sovereignty of OIC member states is non-negotiable, stressing that illegal actions and negotiations will not be tolerated and that justice, international law and multilateralism must prevail over unilateralism and coercion.
Earlier in the day, a Senior Officials Meeting, which served as the preparatory session for the Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers, was held with the participation of a large number of representatives from OIC member states.
The meeting also reaffirmed continued solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.