Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. During a meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Abdulsalam Abdi Ali on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's commitment to preserving Somalia's national institutions. He stressed that Egypt categorically rejects any unilateral actions that could compromise Somalia's unity or sovereignty.
The meeting between Abdelatty and Ali focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional issues. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's dedication to supporting Somalia's nation-building efforts and enhancing its institutional capacity. He noted that Egypt's Agency for Partnership and Development, along with other national institutions, will continue to provide training and support to Somalia.
Abdelatty also underscored the importance of sustaining international support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). He emphasized the need for predictable funding to ensure the mission's continued effectiveness in stabilizing the country. Egypt's participation in AMISOM was also highlighted as a demonstration of its commitment to regional security.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister raised concerns about the detention of Egyptian sailors off the coast of Somalia. He urged Somali authorities to engage with Egypt to resolve the issue and ensure the sailors' safe release. This matter was a key aspect of the discussions, reflecting Egypt's interest in protecting its citizens abroad.
The meeting also explored ways to enhance economic, investment, and health cooperation between Egypt and Somalia. Abdelatty expressed his desire to build on the significant progress in bilateral relations, fostering a stronger partnership between the two nations. This cooperation is expected to have a positive impact on various sectors, including trade and investment.
Egypt is set to host the Africa Science and Technology Forum in 2026, which will provide a platform for promoting economic and investment partnerships among African countries. Abdelatty invited Somali and other African nations to participate in the forum, encouraging collaboration and dialogue among businesses and private sectors.
The discussions between Abdelatty and Ali reflect the strong ties between Egypt and Somalia. Both countries are committed to working together to address regional challenges and promote stability in the Horn of Africa. Egypt's engagement with Somalia underscores its role as a key player in African affairs and its dedication to supporting peace and development in the region.
Key points
- Egypt reaffirms its support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty
- Egypt and Somalia discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations
- Egypt calls for sustained international support for AMISOM
