Foreign ministers from 19 Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement in Amman to formally oppose Colombia's decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The coalition, which includes representatives from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia, expressed strong rejection of the diplomatic move. Diplomatic officials gathered in the Jordanian capital to coordinate their official response to the establishment of the mission. The group maintains that the status of Jerusalem remains a central point of contention in international policy. By issuing this collective declaration, the participating states signaled their unified stance against the recognition of the city as the site for the Colombian embassy. This joint statement issued in Amman represents a formal effort by these 19 Arab and Islamic countries to consolidate their diplomatic opposition to the recent Colombian policy shift.
Coalition Membership and Scope
The alliance draws together Arab states and key Asian Islamic powers, specifically Türkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Malaysia. This coalition functions as a unified front, bringing together diverse nations to address the establishment of the mission in Jerusalem. Dr. Munther Al-Hawarat, political analyst and expert, stated, "We are witnessing an attempt to form a diplomatic front that transcends the region, based not only on geography but also on shared interests and a commitment to international law." The inclusion of these specific Asian Islamic powers alongside Arab states shows the breadth of the opposition to the Colombian embassy opening.
The joint statement issued by the coalition cites UN Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478 of 1980 to declare any measures changing the status of Jerusalem as null and void. These resolutions form the legal basis for the group's opposition to the Colombian embassy opening. The statement specifically notes these mandates to assert that the Colombian decision lacks international legitimacy. UN Security Council Resolution 478 of 1980 explicitly called on states to withdraw their diplomatic missions from Jerusalem, a requirement the coalition now invokes to challenge the current diplomatic move. By referencing this specific 1980 requirement, the coalition emphasizes that the presence of an embassy in the city is contrary to established international directives.
Dr. Munther Al-Hawarat raised questions regarding the efficacy of this coalition, noting, "how these common positions are transformed into organized diplomatic action that translates into results on the ground for Palestinians." The group’s reliance on these specific international mandates serves as the primary mechanism for their collective objection to the embassy’s placement. By aligning their policy with these 1980 mandates, the participating nations seek to frame the Colombian decision as a departure from established international standards. The coalition continues to monitor the development of the mission, maintaining that the legal framework established by the United Nations remains the definitive guide for diplomatic conduct regarding the status of Jerusalem. The ministers involved in the Amman meeting indicated that their collective stance is intended to uphold the principles defined in the 1980 resolutions.