CAIRO – Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a joint political declaration on the Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, marking a big growth in bilateral relations.
Egypt and Somalia formally elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership on Thursday, solidifying cooperation throughout political, army, financial, and cultural spheres. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a joint political declaration on the Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, marking a big growth in bilateral relations.
The signing adopted bilateral and expanded discussions between the 2 leaders and their delegations. A number of Memoranda of Understanding had been additionally signed by the respective international ministers, together with one regarding diplomatic coaching and one other on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders.
Throughout a joint press convention, President Al-Sisi welcomed President Mohamud to “his second nation, Egypt,” emphasising the sturdy historic ties between the 2 nations. He famous that this was their fourth assembly since January 2024, highlighting their dedication to mutual pursuits.
“Your go to, Mr. President, comes at a time of serious growth in Egyptian-Somali relations,” Al-Sisi stated. “Immediately’s assembly is our fourth since January 2024, reflecting our shared dedication to serving the widespread pursuits of our two brotherly peoples.”
Discussions encompassed regional safety considerations, together with the conditions within the Horn of Africa and the Pink Sea. Each leaders agreed on the necessity for intensified peace and safety efforts within the area. In addition they affirmed the significance of the October 2024 Asmara Summit between Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea and agreed to carry a second trilateral summit to additional strengthen their partnership.
Al-Sisi addressed the progress in financial cooperation following the launch of the EgyptAir route between Cairo and Mogadishu and confused the significance of continued progress on this space. He additionally highlighted ongoing army cooperation, together with the activation of a army cooperation protocol signed in August 2024. This goals to bolster Somalia’s safety capabilities and fight terrorist teams.
Al-Sisi elaborated on Egypt’s participation within the new African Union mission in Somalia, stating, “Permit me to elaborate on our participation on this mission, which goals to realize safety and stability in Somalia and doesn’t threaten any nation. Our participation is optimistic. For over 30 years, we now have been pained by what is going on in Somalia. Our participation is primarily aimed toward displaying solidarity with our brothers in Somalia.”
The joint political declaration outlines a framework for the strategic partnership. It consists of annual presidential consultations, biannual international minister conferences, and specialised ministerial conferences to reinforce collaboration. A committee of senior officers from each international ministries will oversee the implementation of those consultations.
The settlement additionally particulars areas of cooperation:
Political Session: Annual presidential consultations and biannual international minister conferences will monitor the progress of the partnership and establish new avenues for collaboration.
Army and Safety Cooperation: Egypt will proceed to offer army help to Somalia, specializing in coaching, armament, and counterterrorism efforts.
Schooling, Tradition, and Capability Constructing: Egypt will help Somali capability constructing by way of scholarships and experience in areas comparable to governance, healthcare, and agriculture.
Electoral Cooperation: Egypt will provide authorized and technical help to Somalia for clear elections.
Financial Cooperation: The settlement promotes commerce and funding, with a concentrate on sectors together with agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, and power.
The joint declaration concludes: “This declaration signifies the shared dedication of the leaders of Egypt and Somalia to fostering a complete and strategic partnership that serves the aspirations of each nations.”
The declaration was signed in Cairo on Thursday, 23 January 2025, by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Supply: Every day Information Egypt
