President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Receives Egyptian Delegation, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Mogadishu – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted a high-level delegation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the State House in Mogadishu on Sunday. 

The primary purpose of the visit was to extend an official invitation for President Hassan Sheikh to embark on a diplomatic visit to Egypt.

During the meeting, the Egyptian delegation reiterated President El-Sisi’s steadfast support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Emphasizing the paramount importance of respecting these fundamental principles, they unequivocally voiced their opposition to any actions that might encroach upon these values.

The delegation took the opportunity to underscore President El-Sisi’s unwavering commitment to enhancing brotherly relations between Egypt and Somalia across all areas of mutual benefit. The discussions highlighted the shared interests and cooperation potential between the two nations, fostering a vision of collaboration that extends beyond geographical boundaries.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his sincere appreciation to the Egyptian delegation for their timely visit and for conveying President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s invitation. 

He acknowledged the significance of strengthening the historical bonds between Egypt and Somalia, emphasizing the need for robust partnerships that contribute to the well-being and progress of both nations.

The discussions during the meeting also the included an invitation for President Hassan Sheikh to Egypt and commitment of both nations towards fostering a positive and collaborative future. 

In response to the recent sea access deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, Egypt issued a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing the crucial need to respect Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s statement underscored Somalia’s sovereign right to its entire territory and resources, warning that “escalating actions and statements from neighboring countries could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa.”

The deal, sealed through a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa on Monday, grants Ethiopia access to Red Sea ports. Abiy’s office hailed the agreement as “historic” and a foundation for a multisectoral partnership.

Somaliland, although declaring independence in 1991, has not gained international recognition and remains part of northwestern Somalia. This development raises concerns about potential implications for Somalia’s unity.

Ethiopia lost its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s due to the Eritrean War of Independence. The separation led to Ethiopia becoming landlocked, impacting its maritime trade capabilities.

The region has witnessed strained relations between Ethiopia and Egypt, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s Nile Dam project. Egypt recently declared an impasse in Renaissance Dam negotiations with Ethiopia and Sudan, asserting its commitment to defending water and national security if violated.