Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Somali counterpart, Abdulsalam Abdullahi, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring ways to enhance cooperation between the two nations. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty emphasized the importance of developing relations in various fields, including economy, development, investment, and health.
The two ministers discussed the significant progress in Egyptian-Somali relations and ways to build on this momentum. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's commitment to supporting Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also stressed Egypt's rejection of any unilateral actions that could undermine Somalia's sovereignty or territorial integrity. The Somali foreign minister was informed about Egypt's preparations to host the Africa Scientist Forum in Alexandria from October 2-4, 2026.
During the meeting, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's support for Somalia's national institutions and its efforts to build the capacity of these institutions. He noted that Egypt will continue to provide support to Somalia through the Egyptian Agency for Partnership and Development and other national institutions. The two ministers also discussed the importance of securing sustainable financing for the African Union Mission in Somalia.
The release of Egyptian sailors detained off the Somali coast was also a key topic of discussion. Abdelatty emphasized the need for continued efforts to secure their release and ensure their safety. The Somali government has been urged to engage with Egyptian authorities to resolve this issue. The two ministers also exchanged views on regional security and political developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Egypt's commitment to supporting Somalia's stability and security was reaffirmed during the meeting. Abdelatty stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Somalia and the region. The Somali foreign minister was apprised of Egypt's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
The meeting between the two ministers demonstrates the strong commitment of both countries to enhancing their bilateral relations and cooperation. Egypt and Somalia have a long-standing relationship, and this meeting has provided an opportunity for the two nations to discuss key issues of mutual interest. The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued engagement between the two countries to address regional challenges.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Nader Zaki, provided insights into the meeting, highlighting the key areas of discussion. The meeting has contributed to a deeper understanding of the issues affecting both countries and has paved the way for further cooperation between Egypt and Somalia.
Key points
- Egypt and Somalia have agreed to enhance their strategic partnership and cooperation in various fields.
- The two countries have expressed their commitment to supporting Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
- Egypt has reaffirmed its support for Somalia's stability and security, and the two countries have agreed to continue working together to address regional challenges.
