On Saturday, Egypt announced its determination to take concrete steps to strengthen its strategic, economic, and cultural relations with the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The move aims to maximize the mutual benefits for both nations and leverage the wide prospects for joint cooperation.
Deep Historical and Cultural Links
In an official statement, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the deep historical ties between the Egyptian and Somali peoples, stressing Cairo’s continued support for Somalia as it faces current challenges.
The ministry noted that this approach comes amid significant regional developments in the Horn of Africa as well as the Somali government’s ongoing efforts to enforce the rule of law and combat terrorism.
Somalia’s Ongoing Challenges
Somalia has for years been grappling with multiple crises, notably the protracted conflict between the central government and armed groups — foremost among them Al-Shabab — along with the impact of recurrent droughts that have forced millions to rely on humanitarian aid amid UN warnings of famine risk.
Egypt’s Support for Security and Stability
Egypt reaffirmed its full solidarity with the Somali people and its ongoing support for their efforts to achieve security and stability through its active contribution to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
At the end of December, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced Cairo’s decision to participate in the AU mission at Mogadishu’s request and with the approval of the AU Peace and Security Council.
Building on a Strategic Partnership
The statement further emphasized Egypt’s commitment to building on the historic ties between the two countries and advancing their strategic partnership.
Following the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership level announced in Cairo on January 23, 2025.
In July, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also discussed continued coordination under the military cooperation protocol signed on August 14, 2024.
