Somali and Egyptian FMs Discuss Bilateral Ties, Egypt Rejects Somaliland Recognition

MOGADISHU – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, has held a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and Egypt’s continued support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During the call, the two ministers reviewed the state of bilateral relations and exchanged views on developments in Somalia and regional issues, particularly in the Horn of Africa. Minister Abdisalam expressed Somalia’s appreciation for Egypt’s continued political, development, and security support, reaffirming Mogadishu’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with Cairo on issues of mutual interest.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty congratulated Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, in a phone call, reiterating Cairo’s commitment to Somalia’s security, stability, and counterterrorism efforts. Both officials pledged to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance coordination in the Horn of Africa, according to an official statement.

Egypt Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

Foreign Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempt by Israel to recognize Somalia’s northwestern region, Somaliland, as independent, stating that such a move would violate Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Egypt and Somalia have previously agreed to enhance diplomatic cooperation against measures perceived as threatening national unity and territorial integrity, following discussions between their foreign ministers during an OIC conference in Jeddah.

Egypt has also condemned Israel’s appointment of an envoy to Somaliland as a legal breach, dismissing it as an infringement upon Somalia’s internationally recognized boundaries. Both nations agreed that their coordinated approach will strengthen Somalia’s standing in regional and international organizations and increase opposition to unilateral actions that could impact the nation’s territorial integrity.

Deepening Strategic Partnership

The phone call builds on the growing momentum in Egyptian-Somali relations, which have deepened considerably over the past two years. Somalia and Egypt have been strengthening strategic ties, with talks centered on enhancing bilateral relations in diplomacy, regional security, education, and strategic coordination.

The two foreign ministers previously met in Seoul during the Korea–Africa Ministerial Meeting, where they discussed strengthening the Somalia–Egypt strategic partnership and enhancing cooperation across areas of mutual interest. At the Fifth Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development in October 2025, they focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across security, trade, investment, health, and sustainable development.

Security and Military Cooperation

Security and defense cooperation have emerged as central pillars of the Somalia-Egypt relationship. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi signed a defense agreement in August 2025, described by the Somali president as a “testament to a future of common defense against international terrorism.” Egyptian troops are set to be deployed under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirming that Egyptian troops will be stationed in the Middle Shabelle region, where they will work closely with the Somali National Army.

Egypt has also contributed military weapons and equipment to Somalia as part of a broader effort to bolster the Somali National Army’s operational capacity.

Maritime and Port Cooperation

Somalia and Egypt have been deepening maritime cooperation, with the Somali Cabinet approving a Memorandum of Understanding on maritime and port cooperation between Somalia’s Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport and Egypt’s Ministry of Transport. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in port development, technical expertise exchange, and institutional capacity building.

Way Forward

The phone call between the two foreign ministers reflects the continued strengthening of Somali-Egyptian relations and Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. As Somalia continues to face challenges to its sovereignty, including Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Cairo’s backing remains a crucial pillar of Mogadishu’s diplomatic efforts. The two nations are expected to continue coordinating their positions on regional and international platforms to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity and promote stability in the Horn of Africa.