Maldives has firmly denounced Israel's choice to acknowledge Somaliland as an independent nation, labeling it a breach of international law and an action that threatens Somalia's sovereignty.

The matter was addressed during the 22nd Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, convened Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel stated that Israel’s actions directly threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity and violate international standards and the principles outlined in the UN Charter.

Khaleel expressed that the choice was especially troubling due to Israel’s “ongoing disregard for international law” in the Middle East, highlighting the rise in violence within the Palestinian territories.

He restated Maldives' disapproval of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory and noted that the weakening of the international legal system is a significant danger to small nations like Maldives that rely on global standards for their safety.

The United States has supported Israel's right to acknowledge the breakaway region of Somaliland at the United Nations, likening it to the recognition of a Palestinian state by many nations. 

Maldives, along with multiple Arab and Islamic nations, released statements denouncing Israel's acknowledgment of Somaliland.

Somaliland arose in northern Somalia in 1991 when local groups seceded amid the nation’s civil war. The area proclaimed independence on its own as the “Republic of Somaliland,” yet no nation has acknowledged it in the last 34 years.

Israel officially recognized Somaliland as the first state last week, after a visit from Somaliland leader Abdulrahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Netanyahu stated that Israel would provide Somaliland with diplomatic, financial, and technological assistance.