Somalia and Egyptian Presidents met in Cairo for wide range of engagements among Deeping ties.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in trade, development, education, and capacity building, as well as Egypt’s readiness to provide support through programmes of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, the spokesperson said.
Security and military cooperation also featured in the discussions, particularly coordination in counter-terrorism efforts, with Egypt expressing its readiness to share its expertise and capabilities with Somalia.
Regional developments were also reviewed, with both sides agreeing on the need to resolve disputes peacefully and consolidate stability in the Horn of Africa by preserving national institutions and safeguarding resources. The talks also covered ways to enhance maritime security.
Following the discussions, the two presidents held a joint press conference. El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any recognition of the independence of any part of Somali territory, describing such moves as a dangerous precedent that threatens stability in the Horn of Africa.
El-Sisi said Egypt attaches particular importance to cooperation with Somalia in the medical field and plans to send an Egyptian medical convoy to Somalia covering a range of specialities.
He also highlighted cooperation in training and capacity building through Egyptian development programmes.
The Egyptian president added that the talks included Egypt’s upcoming participation in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, noting that Cairo is proceeding with the deployment of its forces to support security and stability across Somalia.
On maritime security, El-Sisi stressed that responsibility for securing the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden rests exclusively with the states bordering them, highlighting the particular role of Egypt and Somalia.
Source: Ahramonline.
