التزام مصري بتعزيز قدرات الصومال الأمنية ومكافحة الإرهاب

The Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, renewed his country's commitment to continue supporting efforts to build the institutions of the Somali state and enhance its capabilities in the field of security and counter-terrorism, through the training programs provided by national institutions, the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, in addition to supporting international efforts aimed at enabling the African Union Mission for Support and Stability in Somalia to perform its tasks efficiently, by mobilizing sufficient and sustainable funding for the mission.

During a meeting with his Somali counterpart, Abdulsalam Abdi Ali, on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, Minister Abdel Aty emphasized Egypt's firm position supporting the unity and sovereignty of Somalia and rejecting the establishment of parallel entities outside internationally recognized legal frameworks, reiterating Egypt's categorical rejection of any unilateral recognitions that affect the unity of Somali territory, as they represent a violation of international law and a threat to the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry today (Thursday), Abdel Aty confirmed the importance of continuing to enhance bilateral cooperation in economic, developmental, and investment fields, as well as boosting trade exchange.

The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate positions on issues of mutual interest, and Abdel Aty praised the outcomes of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's visit to Cairo, which represented an important milestone in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, contributing to advancing political, security, and economic cooperation to broader horizons, commending the momentum witnessed in Egyptian-Somali relations and the mutual desire to develop cooperation in various fields.

He referred to the participation of the Somali president in the honorable alignment of Egyptian forces participating in the African Union Mission for Support of Security and Stability in Somalia (AUSSOM), which reflected a high level of efficiency, discipline, and professionalism in preparation and readiness.

He affirmed that this alignment reflects the comprehensive readiness of the Egyptian military institution, advanced capabilities, and a solid doctrine based on commitment and responsibility in performing national and regional tasks, confirming its position as a fundamental pillar for security and stability in its regional and continental surroundings, explaining that this participation reflects the depth of mutual trust between the two countries and embodies Egypt's steadfast commitment to supporting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and assisting the efforts of state institutions in combating terrorism and establishing the foundations of security and stability.

For his part, the Somali Foreign Minister thanked Egypt for holding a session of the African Union Peace and Security Council under the Egyptian presidency to discuss developments in the situation in Somalia, expressing his appreciation for Egypt's active role in supporting the unity and sovereignty of Somalia, and valuing the efforts made by Cairo to mobilize African and international support for the Somali state institutions and to enhance security and stability.