Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia during a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo. He emphasized that Somalia’s stability and security are vital to Egypt’s national security and pledged continued collaboration to foster progress.
During their discussions, both leaders agreed on the need to bolster peace and security in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to global stability. They proposed a follow-up tripartite summit with Eritrea to build on the outcomes of the 2024 Asmara summit, which marked a turning point in regional relations.
The meeting also focused on strengthening military ties, including the implementation of a defense cooperation agreement signed in August 2024. Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism and participating in the African Union mission to enhance security in Somalia.
Additionally, the two countries signed a joint political declaration upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership. This agreement encompasses political, economic, cultural, and military cooperation, with plans for annual high-level consultations to advance bilateral relations.
The leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements, including a memorandum on diplomatic training and a visa exemption deal for holders of diplomatic passports. Talks also highlighted progress in economic ties, particularly following the launch of direct EgyptAir flights between Cairo and Mogadishu, with commitments to further collaboration in health, justice, and capacity building.
Both sides emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum to deepen relations, reflecting the strong and historic ties between the two nations.