The Saudi Foreign Minister affirms the Kingdom's support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering support for the Federal Republic of Somalia, emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. This reaffirmation stems from the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two brotherly nations and reflects the Kingdom's ongoing leading role in promoting stability in the Arab and African regions.
Dimensions of the Saudi position and its political implications
This statement is an extension of the Kingdom's foreign policy, which is based on respecting the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, while adhering to the charters of the Arab League and the United Nations, which stipulate respect for the national borders of member states. This support carries profound political significance in light of the tensions in the Horn of Africa, where the Kingdom, through its active diplomacy, seeks to defuse crises and promote dialogue and peaceful solutions to maintain regional security.
The strategic importance of stability in Somalia
Saudi Arabia's interest in Somalia is inseparable from its strategic vision for the security of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Somalia, with its vital geographical location, represents a cornerstone in the equation of Arab national security and international maritime security. The Kingdom recognizes that any threat to Somalia's sovereignty or the fragmentation of its territory could lead to a security vacuum that extremist groups or external powers could exploit to destabilize vital waterways through which a significant portion of global trade and energy supplies pass.
The depth of historical relations and shared destiny
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Somalia share deep-rooted historical ties spanning decades, characterized by continuous cooperation and mutual support in international forums. The Kingdom has consistently provided economic, humanitarian, and developmental assistance to the brotherly Somali people, helping them overcome the challenges they have faced, whether natural disasters or political crises. The current reaffirmation of Somali territorial integrity reinforces the concept of a shared destiny among Arab states and underscores that Somalia's security is an integral part of Arab national security.
Calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities
In a related context, the Saudi position emphasizes the need for concerted international and regional efforts to support the Somali Federal Government in extending its control over all national territory and enabling it to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining security and stability. The Kingdom consistently calls upon the international community to respect international laws and norms pertaining to state sovereignty and to support development initiatives in Somalia to ensure a prosperous future for its people, free from conflicts and foreign interference that threaten its social and territorial integrity.
