Somali President Continues Diplomatic Outreach, Set to Visit Egypt Following Eritrea Trip
Mogadishu – President of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to visit Cairo, Egypt after receiving an official invitation from his counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi after his two-day visit in Asmara, Eritrea.
President Hassan and his delegation reached Asmara on Monday afternoon then he held discussions with Eritrean President, Isaias Afwerki on enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries according to Eritrean Ministry of Information, Shabait.
Eritrean Government supports Somalia in training about 10,000 of the Somali National Army in the past five years, more than half the trained soldiers returned, taking part the offensive war against Al-Shabaab according to the officials.
After his visit to Asmara, President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to visit Cairo, Egypt after receiving an official invitation from his counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-sisi following meeting a high-level delegation from Egypt at the State House in Mogadishu before his trip to Eritrea.
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 centered on shared interests and cooperation potential between the two nations to foster a vision of collaboration that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
Egypt issued a statement on Wednesday in support of the country underlining the need to respect Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity in response to the recent sea access deal between Ethiopia and the autonomous state of Somaliland.
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.