CAIRO – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi asserted Egypt’s backing for Somalia efforts to enhance peace and security and eradicate terrorism in order to achieve development and overcome current challenges, voicing hope that Somalia could restore its position as an influential and active member in the Horn of Africa region as well as at the Arab and continental levels.
At a joint press conference with his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud at Ittihadiya Palace, Sisi welcomed him in his second country and asserted the depth of Egyptian-Somali historic relations.
Sisi said Egypt was one of the first countries which recognized Somalia since its independence in 1960 and has always been backing it to achieve security and stability.
The Egyptian president greeted his Somali opposite on assuming presidency in the federal country, terming it as an important step towards achieving stability and wished him success in leading the country.
He also said “We are still feeling proud of the Egyptian martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order for Somalia attain its independence and maintain its territorial integrity”.
Sisi also said his talks with Hassan Sheikh covered a number of issues and files of common interest as well as regional issues, asserting that the two countries share the same viewpoints.
The two presidents also reviewed means of enhancing existing cooperation as well as ways to promote political relations.
Sisi also said that talks tackled bilateral projects to enhance economic development in Somalia and including the inauguration of a branch for Banque Misr early July through co-operation with the Somali Central Bank.
Sisi said the step of inaugurating a branch for Banque Misr is an additional step to bolster Egypt’s trade and economic presence in Somalia and serve the two sides’ interests.
They also discussed means of combating terrorism and extremist thought through training Somali cadres in the various fields.
Sisi also noted that talks covered the Renaissance Ethiopian Dam as the two leaders agreed on the seriousness of unilateral policies in carrying out projects on international rivers, asserting the importance of co-operation and consultation among the countries overlooking the river in line with the relevant international laws.
Sisi also pressed the necessity of reaching a binding legal agreement on the filling and operation of the dam based on the statement issued by the UN Security Council in September, 2021, which maintains regional peace and stability.
At the joint press conference with his Somali counterpart, Sisi explained that they exchanged viewpoints on the latest developments in the Horn of Africa region.
The two sides agreed on working together to maintain security and stability in such region of strategic importance to the African continent, in addition to intensifying co-operation and coordination between Egypt and Somalia especially regarding security in the Red Sea.
Sisi reiterated that he agreed with his Somali counterpart on the responsibility of countries overlooking the Red Sea to formulate special policies pertaining to such vital water way, taking into consideration all the economic, development and security aspects.
The Egyptian president also pointed out that Egyptian-Somali relations have been distinguished with diversity as part of the two countries’ keenness on maintaining joint interests, asserting that Egypt would continue backing the Somali efforts to enhance peace and security and eradicate terrorism in order to achieve the targeted development goals and help the country overcome all current challenges and realize the aspirations of the Somali people.
Sisi concluded his remarks by voicing happiness over the visit of the Somali president and expressed his appreciation for the constructive talks he held today with the Somali counterpart.
He also asserted the two countries’ keenness on pushing forward bilateral cooperation and achieve common interests, wishing the Somali people more progress and stability.
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