Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's firm stance on preserving Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, while rejecting the formation of parallel entities outside internationally-recognized legal frameworks.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty made the remarks during his meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali. The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, Tamim Khallaf, noted that Abdelatty praised the growing momentum in Egyptian-Somali relations and the two countries' keenness to strengthen bilateral ties in the economic, development, and investment fields.
The Minister underlined the importance of continuing to foster the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of areas, particularly security, trade, infrastructure, electricity and renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and agro-industry, in line with the aspirations of both peoples and their shared interests.
Abdelatty also highlighted the need to further boost trade, especially with the upcoming opening of a Banque Misr branch in Mogadishu, which is expected to enhance economic partnerships between the two countries. Meanwhile, the top Egyptian diplomat condemned Israel's unilateral recognition of the so-called Somaliland, stating that this move violates international law and infringes upon Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He warned that the Israeli recognition of Somaliland undermines stability in the Horn of Africa and threatens the security and stability of the region and the Red Sea. In the same context, the foreign minister reiterated Egypt's commitment to backing the efforts to build Somalia's state institutions and enhance their capabilities in maintaining security and stability, particularly in addressing the challenges of terrorism and extremism.
He underlined the significance of maximizing the benefits of training programs offered by national institutions, notably the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, to strengthen national capacities and promote security and stability.
The Foreign Minister further affirmed Egypt's support for international efforts aimed at achieving security, stability, and development in Somalia, calling for working with international partners to mobilize adequate and sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, enabling it to carry out its mandate effectively.
The two ministers also exchanged views on ways to consolidate stability, security, peace, and development across the African continent, and on preparations for a meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, which is currently chaired by Egypt, on developments in Somalia.
Abdelatty and Abdi Ali agreed on the importance of continued coordination and consultation at both the bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly ahead of the African Union summit slated for next week and in light of Somalia's membership of the UN Security Council, in a manner that serves the shared interests of the two countries and their peoples.
For his part, the Somali foreign minister expressed deep appreciation for Egypt's supportive position, affirming Somalia's pride in the historic and fraternal relations with Egypt. Abdi Ali commended Egypt's continued efforts to back Somalia's unity and sovereignty and to build its national institutions.
The Somali foreign minister said his country looks forward to enhancing cooperation and coordination with Egypt across various fields, contributing to security, stability, and development in Somalia and the wider region.