MOGADISHU—Somalia has urged Arab countries to use their diplomatic influence to prevent Israel’s recognition of Somaliland from encouraging other states to take similar steps.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ali Mohamed Omar, widely known as Ali Balcad, made the appeal in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, as Mogadishu steps up diplomatic efforts to challenge Israel’s decision.

Balcad said Somalia is maintaining direct contacts with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to communicate Mogadishu’s position on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

He said the Somali government is closely monitoring international discussions and diplomatic activity surrounding the possibility of additional countries recognizing Somaliland.

“We do not consider Israel’s recognition of Somaliland merely symbolic,” Balcad said, describing the move as a development that could have implications for Somalia’s territorial integrity, national unity and regional security.

Israel’s decision marked the first formal recognition of Somaliland by a United Nations member state, according to the minister. The two sides subsequently established diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.

Balcad said Israel’s move has not, so far, triggered a broader wave of international recognition for Somaliland.

He nevertheless called on Arab governments to take a more active role, arguing that condemnation alone would not be sufficient. He urged them to use their diplomatic relationships and political leverage to discourage other governments from recognizing Somaliland.

Somalia regards Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory and has consistently rejected its bid for international recognition. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since pursued recognition as a separate state.

The issue has become an increasingly sensitive diplomatic matter for Mogadishu, particularly as Somalia seeks to prevent further international moves that it believes could undermine its territorial unity and regional security.