Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said Sunday that the growing pace of high-level visits between Egypt and Somalia reflects the depth and special nature of historical relations binding the two countries and their peoples.
Speaking at a joint news conference with his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, rejecting any measures that undermine it, including recognition of the independence of any part of Somali territory as it would constitute a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, setting a dangerous precedent threatening the stability of the entire Horn of Africa.
“Recent momentum in bilateral relations reflects a shared commitment to upgrading cooperation and strengthening coordination to support security and stability in the Horn of Africa, while safeguarding Egypt’s national security,“ the president said, referring to the strategic partnership announced during the Somali president’s visit to Cairo in January 2025.
President Sisi added that the talks covered ways to enhance cooperation across the various fields, especially in the economic and trade domains, as well as maximizing the benefits of air and maritime connectivity between the two countries.
He further noted that Egypt attaches significant importance to medical cooperation with Somalia and intends to send a medical convoy in the near future, bringing together specialists from various medical fields.
President Sisi said that the two sides discussed cooperation in training and capacity building through programs of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, in addition to military and security cooperation.
According to the president, Egypt is ready to share its experience in counter terrorism with Somalia, stressing that combating terrorism requires strong national institutions, trained personnel and a comprehensive approach to support development and prosperity.
The talks also addressed Egypt’s upcoming participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. President Sisi said Egypt would continue deploying its forces as part of its commitment to Africa and its keenness to achieve security and stability across Somalia.
He added that both sides agreed to intensify coordination to address regional challenges in the Horn of Africa and stressed that responsibility for securing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden lies exclusively with the littoral states, noting the special role of Egypt and Somalia given their strategic locations at the northern and southern entrances to the Red Sea.
President Sisi concluded by saying Egypt will remain a sincere partner and supporter of Somalia and will continue efforts to enhance security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
