Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed Egypt's support for Somalia at a meeting with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Sunday in Cairo, a presidential statement read. This is the first time El-Sisi has received his Somali counterpart since he was elected in February 2017 El-Sisi hailed the "distinguished and historical relations between Egypt and Somalia, stressing Egypt's intention to continue to provide all support to Somalia during the next phase to build and consolidate the institutions of the state, especially the Somali National Army." El-Sisi added that the two countries will continue cooperation in programmes and courses organised by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development (EAPD), and promised an increase in scholarships offered by Egypt. The EAPD, established in mid-2014, focuses on transferring technical knowledge and humanitarian assistance, organising training courses and workshops, as well as contributing in funding and in mobilising funds for development projects. The Egyptian president also expressed Cairo's interest in following up on the consolidation of the various aspects of bilateral cooperation with Somalia, particularly in the economic and trade fields and in fishing and animal farming. The Somali president praised Egypt's historic role in supporting Somalia during various stages. Farmajo also welcomed strengthening economic and trade relations, saying there are opportunities to develop cooperation in many sectors. According to Somali newspaper Somali Update, the visit "comes amid growing pressure by the Saudi Kingdom on the Federal Government of Somalia over its neutral position on the current Gulf diplomatic crisis." This is the fifth official meeting this week between El-Sisi and African counterparts, following an African tour that included Tanzania, Rwanda, Gabon and Chad, where he held talks on fostering mutual economic and trade ties.
