BEIJING — China and Djibouti have reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposing international recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland.
“Both sides firmly support Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, oppose any attempt to gain ‘diplomatic recognition’ for Somaliland,” the statement said.
The declaration comes amid diplomatic tensions over Somaliland’s longstanding bid for international recognition.
Somalia considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory and maintains that agreements with Somaliland authorities that bypass the federal government undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somaliland’s leadership has sought international recognition for decades, arguing that the territory has maintained stable institutions and governed itself separately since 1991.