Sisi agrees with Eritrean, Somali presidents to provide full support for Somalia's security restoration

CAIRO – 11 October 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said he has agreed with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on providing all forms of support to Somalia for security restoration in the country through its national army, realizing Mohamud’s vision.

Sisi made the remarks in a joint press conference with Afwerki and Mohamud on Thursday during their visit to the Eritrean capital, Asmara.

Sisi said they discussed proposals for providing this support, through bilateral and multilateral channels, in addition to regional and international efforts aimed at maintaining and establishing peace in Somalia.

“We convened today to consult and share perspectives on how to counter plans and actions aimed at destabilizing and fragmenting countries in the region, and sabotaging the unyielding efforts of our countries and our peoples, who strive for peace, stability and prosperity,” Sisi said.

Egypt has previously reiterated its unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity amid Somali-Ethiopian tensions.

Tensions have increased in the Horn of Africa over an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-declared state not recognized by Egypt, to grant Addis Ababa access to a port in January.

Mohamud has rejected the deal, emphasizing that "no one has the power give away a piece of Somalia."

LEVERAGING RED SEA

During the press conference, Sisi underlined the keenness of Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia to harness their promising opportunities in development and prosperity through close cooperation, integration and coordination.

They also emphasized the crucial importance of strengthening cooperation among the countries on the shores of the Red Sea, amid current disruption of international maritime navigation.

In this regard, they agreed on developing the foundation for institutional coordination among them to secure global navigation, and fostering their collaboration in leveraging the Red Sea natural resources.

Furthermore, they discussed the situation in Sudan and underscored the imperative need for a permanent ceasefire throughout the country as soon as possible.

The presidents highlighted the vital urgency of advancing efforts to safeguard the Sudanese national institutions.

BILATERAL COLLABORATION

Sisi said their meeting serves as a testament to the robust and outstanding partnership among our three brotherly countries.

“It is also a powerful reminder of the urgent need to consolidate these enduring relations to address the shared challenges we face in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea,” the Egyptian president said.

He also underscored the need to unlock the full potential of the three countries and leverage the opportunities to drive development and prosperity for their peoples.

They agreed on the need to strengthen and expand trade and investment ties among the three countries, and to work closely together on capacity building and knowledge transfer.