Hyderabad, Jan. 10 -- Days after Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Saarvisited Somaliland, 22 Islamic countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (IOC) on Friday, January 9, condemned Saar's visit to Somalia's breakaway region.

In a joint statement, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia and 16 other countries said that they censured Saar's visit, adding that the visit violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

"The visit also undermines the international law and the United Nations Charter," the statement read. The Islamic countries reiterated their support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Referring to Israel's recognition of Somaliland, the statement said tha...