Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdel-Aati met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He underscored Cairo’s rejection of any unilateral actions that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, condemning Israel’s recognition of “Somaliland” and the appointment of a diplomatic envoy as a violation of international law and the African Union’s founding principles.
He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia across political, military, security, and humanitarian fronts, stressing the strategic importance of Somalia’s stability for the Horn of Africa.
The minister highlighted growing momentum in bilateral ties, including the launch of EgyptAir flights, a military cooperation protocol signed in August 2024, the full relocation of Egypt’s embassy to Mogadishu, and the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership in January 2025.
Minister Abdel-Aati also emphasized efforts to boost trade and expand Egyptian exports, particularly pharmaceuticals and industrial goods.
He further stressed the need for sustainable funding for the African Union mission in Somalia.
The Somali president, for his part, expressed appreciation for Egypt’s continued backing and voiced keenness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
