Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said that several parties are attempting to transform the Red Sea region into an arena for regional competition, threatening Somalia’s sovereignty and undermining its regional stability.
Abdelatty stressed that Somalia represents a cornerstone of Egyptian, Arab, and African national security.
During a panel discussion on Somalia on the sidelines of the Doha Forum, Abdelatty added that the challenges facing Somalia necessitate coordinated strategies to sustain the progress achieved in supporting the country.
He affirmed Egypt’s unwavering strategic commitment to supporting Somalia and enhancing security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, as this is a fundamental pillar for achieving development and consolidating regional peace.
Egypt’s policy towards Somalia is based on several key principles, the minister explained, particularly in supporting the unity and sovereignty of Somali territory, rejecting any unilateral actions to impose a fait accompli, strengthening state institutions capable of enforcing the law and combating terrorism, investing in national talent through scholarships, capacity-building programs, and training in various sectors.
Meeting with Somalia’s president
On the sidelines of the Doha Forum, Abdelatty met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s continued support for building Somalia’s national capacities, particularly in combating terrorism, establishing security and stability, and enabling state institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in extending state sovereignty over all Somali territory.
He also reviewed the operational arrangements of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.
The Foreign Minister further highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to support Somali institutions, referring to training programs offered by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development in cooperation with various state institutions and Al-Azhar.
