Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Monday with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the coastal city of New Alamein during an official visit focused on deepening bilateral ties and addressing regional developments, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, the meeting included a one-on-one session followed by expanded talks between the two countries' delegations. Discussions centred on reinforcing the strategic partnership and enhancing coordination on regional security challenges. At a joint press conference following the talks, President Al-Sisi said the two leaders discussed political and security conditions in the Horn of Africa, as well as expanding cooperation across political, economic, security, and defence sectors. He noted that the talks built on the political declaration signed in January 2025, which aims to elevate Egyptian-Somali relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Al-Sisi announced that both sides had agreed to activate the military cooperation protocol signed in August 2024. The protocol includes efforts to strengthen Somali security personnel and state institutions to combat terrorism and restore state authority across Somalia. He also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to the African Union's support mission in Somalia and called for predictable, sustainable international funding to ensure the mission's continued effectiveness. Al-Sisi praised President Mohamud's efforts to promote national unity and fight extremist groups, reaffirming Egypt's full support for all initiatives aimed at fostering political consensus and achieving lasting peace and development in Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his visit sought to reinforce the historic ties between Egypt and Somalia. He expressed gratitude for Egypt's continued support, especially in healthcare, education, and institutional development. "We are grateful for Egypt's role in providing healthcare services in Somalia—services that were previously unavailable," he said. President Mohamud also expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt across various sectors, with a particular focus on boosting private sector partnerships and exploring mutually beneficial investment opportunities. He extended a formal invitation to President Al-Sisi to visit Somalia, saying: "The Somali people are eager to welcome you warmly." The visit comes amid intensifying diplomatic engagement between the two countries, as the Horn of Africa continues to face persistent security and political challenges. Volatility in the Red Sea, a critical maritime corridor, has also raised concerns due to ongoing regional tensions and proxy conflicts. The renewed Egyptian-Somali engagement is widely viewed as part of Cairo's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in East Africa by supporting regional stability, enhancing institutional resilience, and countering terrorism and economic fragility.
