Egypt will back Somalia in its bid to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, says a statement in Cairo as President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received his Somali counterpart, Dr.Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for an official visit which began on Tuesday.
Mohamud’s visit comes as moves by Turkey got underway to ease tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial deal which gives the latter access to a Red Sea Port in the breakaway enclave of Somaliland.
El-Sisi and Mohamud held talks, during which they confirmed the strength and solidity of the historical relations between Egypt and Somalia, as well as the mutual keenness to support them at various levels, and to build on the outcome of the Somali president’s visit to Egypt last January.
The Spokesman for the Presidency said President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s position in support of the unity and sovereignty of Somalia over its lands, and rejecting any interference in its internal affairs.
The two presidents welcomed mutual steps taken by two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation, including the launch of direct flight between Cairo and Mogadishu, the opening of the Egyptian embassy in the Somali capital, in addition to the signing last January of a military cooperation protocol.
The Somali leader expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s continuous support for his country over the past decades, stressing Somalia’s keenness to further boost economic, security and political ties with Egypt in the coming period.
He also expressed appreciation for the role of various Egyptian authorities in building the capacities of Somali cadres in various fields.
The meeting touched on various regional and international issues of common interest. Both sides agreed to intensify consultation and coordination in the coming period to continue working to establish security and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Following the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing ceremony of the military cooperation protocol between the two countries, and held a joint press conference.