Arab, Islamic Countries Condemn Israel for Appointing Diplomatic Representative to ‘Somaliland’

 This picture taken on November 7, 2024 shows a general view of the city of Hargeisa, capital and largest city of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. (AFP)
This picture taken on November 7, 2024 shows a general view of the city of Hargeisa, capital and largest city of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. (AFP)
TT

Arab, Islamic Countries Condemn Israel for Appointing Diplomatic Representative to ‘Somaliland’

 This picture taken on November 7, 2024 shows a general view of the city of Hargeisa, capital and largest city of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. (AFP)
This picture taken on November 7, 2024 shows a general view of the city of Hargeisa, capital and largest city of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. (AFP)

The foreign ministers of several Arab and Islamic countries slammed Israel on Saturday for announcing the appointment of a diplomatic representative to the so-called “Somaliland” in “flagrant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.”

The ministers reiterated their “unequivocal rejection of all unilateral measures that undermine the unity of states or infringe upon their sovereignty.”

They underscored “their firm and unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as for its legitimate state institutions, being the sole representative of the will of the Somali people.”

The ministers stressed that such actions are “a blatant violation of the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and set a dangerous precedent that risks undermining stability in the Horn of Africa,” which will have a negative impact on regional peace and security.

The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Egypt, Kuwait, Palestine, Libya, Sudan, Algeria, Pakistan, Türkiye, Indonesia and Bangladesh.



Qatar Says Cargo Vessel Coming from Abu Dhabi Attacked in its Waters

 Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
TT

Qatar Says Cargo Vessel Coming from Abu Dhabi Attacked in its Waters

 Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, May 8, 2026. (Reuters)

A cargo vessel was attacked by a drone on Sunday in Qatari waters northeast of Mesaieed port as the ship travelled from Abu Dhabi, causing a limited fire that was contained, the Qatari Defense Ministry said.

No injuries were reported and the vessel continued its journey towards ‌the port.

The UK Maritime Trade ‌Operations (UKMTO) ⁠said earlier a bulk ⁠carrier had reported being struck by an unknown projectile while sailing 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Authorities are investigating the source of the projectile, UKMTO ⁠said.

Vessels in the area have been ‌advised to transit with caution.

Ships in the Gulf have been attacked by Iran since the US and Israel launched air ‌strikes on Iran on February 28.

The Strait of Hormuz, ⁠the ⁠vital energy-trade chokepoint that connects Gulf oil producers to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, has been virtually closed since.

Separately, a Qatari tanker crossed the Strait towards Pakistan on Sunday, while Washington continued to wait for Tehran's response to its latest proposals to begin peace talks.


Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
TT

Saudi FM Receives Phone Call from Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Saturday from Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The two officials discussed regional developments and ongoing efforts made by both countries to maintain security and stability.


Saudi Crown Prince Says Looking Forward to Working with Iraq’s Zaidi on Consolidating Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
TT

Saudi Crown Prince Says Looking Forward to Working with Iraq’s Zaidi on Consolidating Ties

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent on Saturday a cable of congratulations to Ali al-Zaidi on his appointment as Iraq’s prime minister-designate. 

In the cable, he said he was looking forward to working with al-Zaidi on consolidating the fraternal relations between their countries and peoples and bolstering them in all fields. 

He wished him success in serving Iraq and its people. 

Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed sent a cable to Péter Magyar to congratulate him on his election as Prime Minister of Hungary.

He also congratulated him on the formation of a new government, its gaining the confidence of the National Assembly, and taking the constitutional oath.

The Crown Prince expressed his congratulations for success and prosperity to Magyar, and for continued progress and prosperity to the people of Hungary.