His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's firm and unwavering support for the sovereignty of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia and the preservation of its territorial integrity and political independence. This statement reflects the depth of the fraternal relations between the two countries and the Saudi leadership's commitment to the stability of the Horn of Africa region, which constitutes a strategic depth for Arab national security.
A firm stance towards the territorial integrity of Somalia
During his remarks, the Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of states and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs. He stressed that the Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with the Somali government in confronting challenges that could threaten Somalia's territorial integrity. This support comes at a time when the region is witnessing political and regional tensions that necessitate concerted Arab and international efforts to ensure that Somalia's internationally recognized borders are not violated and that the principles of good neighborliness are upheld.
Regional context and the importance of stability in the Horn of Africa
This Saudi stance is doubly important given Somalia's sensitive geopolitical location, overlooking vital waterways for global trade, specifically the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The Kingdom understands that any destabilization of Somalia or fragmentation of its territorial integrity will negatively impact the security of the Red Sea and international maritime traffic, in addition to its direct effect on the regional security of East African and Arabian Peninsula states.
Historical background of Saudi-Somali relations
These statements are based on a long history of diplomatic relations and cooperation between Riyadh and Mogadishu. Saudi Arabia has consistently been a major supporter of Somalia in international forums, whether through the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or the United Nations. For decades, the Kingdom has contributed to development and relief efforts in Somalia, as well as providing ongoing support for the country's state-building process and the strengthening of its national institutions following years of civil war.
Expected impact and international support
This Saudi affirmation is expected to bolster the diplomatic standing of the Federal Government of Somalia before the international community. It also sends a clear message to regional and international actors about the necessity of adhering to international laws and norms that criminalize violations of state sovereignty. This stance reinforces the general Arab position rejecting any attempts to divide Arab states or seize parts of their territories, thus supporting efforts for peace and stability in the region as a whole.
