Egypt reiterated its support for all efforts by Somalia in various international forums to achieve security and stability and preserve its unity and territorial integrity.
During his meeting on Tuesday in Cairo with Acting Foreign Minister of Somalia Ali Mohamed Omar, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s support for all efforts aimed at promoting peace and security in the Horn of Africa region as it represents a key pillar of regional and continental security, noting that Egypt pays great attention to the region and is actively following the various developments and challenges it faces.
For his part, the Somali official expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s position in support of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing his country’s keenness to continue consultation and coordination with Egypt on various issues related to the Horn of Africa and the African continent in general, and to work to maintain the security and stability of the Red Sea navigational course, noting that the history of Egyptian-Somali relations dictates that the two countries strengthen cooperation between them.
A statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that Cairo “appreciated the danger of the increasing movements, procedures and official statements issued by countries in the region and beyond, which undermine the factors of stability in the Horn of Africa region, and increase tensions between its countries, at a time when the African continent is witnessing an increase in conflicts and disputes that require concerted efforts to contain them and deal with their repercussions, instead of fueling them irresponsibly.”
The Horn of Africa region is facing increasing diplomatic and security challenges after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland that gives it access to the Red Sea and recognises the region as an independent state.