Somalia, Egypt Pledge Closer Bilateral Cooperation, Regional Security

GOOBJOOG NEWS | TRIPOLI: Somalia and Egypt have pledged to strengthen diplomatic coordination and expand cooperation on regional security, economic development and state-building following talks between their foreign ministers in Libya.

Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty, in Tripoli on the sidelines of the 22nd session of the Executive Council of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD).

The discussions focused on strengthening historical ties between the two countries, with particular attention to economic cooperation, investment, development and support for government institutions.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to build state institutions and strengthen the capacity of national agencies. He also reiterated Cairo’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, rejecting unilateral actions that could undermine them.

The two ministers also exchanged views on political and security developments in the Horn of Africa, agreeing on the importance of supporting state institutions and respecting the sovereignty of countries across the region.

On Red Sea security, Abdelatty said responsibility for safeguarding the strategic waterway should rest primarily with the countries bordering it, stressing the need for regional states to take a leading role in its security and governance.

The ministers further agreed to maintain consultations and coordinate their governments’ positions on regional issues. They also discussed implementing the outcomes of a regional summit hosted by Egypt in October last year, which focused on promoting peace, stability and development.

The meeting comes as Somalia and Egypt continue to deepen diplomatic and security ties amid wider regional discussions over sovereignty, maritime security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.