Egypt has facilitated the return of a group of Egyptian sailors from the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The move followed directives from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and was closely monitored by Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty.
Egyptian Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Salah received the sailors upon their arrival at Mogadishu Airport. They were immediately escorted to the Egyptian Embassy under tight security, where accommodation was provided ahead of their return to Cairo in the company of the ambassador.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ambassador Nader Zaki said the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu had maintained constant contact with the sailors and their families since their detention.
The embassy also held extensive talks with officials from Somalia’s federal government and the Puntland administration, as well as the owners of the vessel and its cargo, to follow developments and help resolve the situation.
The Egyptian Embassy in Yemen also maintained contact with the relevant authorities there under Abdelatty’s direction, Zaki said.
He added that the Foreign Ministry’s primary focus throughout the sailors’ detention had been to ensure their safety and work towards securing their swift release.
Zaki extended his sincere congratulations to the sailors’ families on their safe return home.
