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Saturday, August 31, 2024
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre (left) meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly (right) in Cairo to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, including military cooperation and economic partnership. Amid rising tensions in the region, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Somalia’s sovereignty and unity. (Photo: OPM Somalia)
MOGADISHU (HOL) — Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly reiterated Egypt’s firm support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity during a meeting with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Cairo on Saturday. His statement came amid diplomatic pressure rise The situation in the Horn of Africa began to deteriorate after Somaliland signed a controversial agreement with Ethiopia to lease part of its coastline to Ethiopia for use as a naval base and commercial port.
The meeting was attended by Somalia’s ambassador to Cairo, Ali Abdi Aware, and Ibrahim El-Khouly, deputy assistant minister of foreign affairs for the Horn of Africa.
Madbouly stressed that supporting Somalia remains Egypt’s top priority and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to helping Somalia preserve its sovereignty. “Egypt stands firmly with Somalia in preserving its unity and territorial integrity,” Madbouly said.
The meeting also highlighted recent efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral relations. two Egyptian C-130 military aircraft arrives in Mogadishu carry Military equipment. Delivery Alignment The agreement, signed in August 2024, includes training of Somali troops and possible participation in the new African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), scheduled to begin in January 2025.
In addition to military cooperation, Egypt and Somalia strengthen Economic ties between the two countries are growing stronger. In the first half of 2024, trade between the two countries increased by 88%, with Egypt’s exports to Somalia increasing significantly, including commodities such as starch, sugar and medicines. Somalia’s exports to Egypt (mainly livestock) also increased, reflecting the growing economic interdependence between the two countries.
In response to soaring meat prices and domestic shortages, Egypt Start importing A large number of livestock come from Somalia. The shift in Egypt’s livestock import strategy was driven by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting Somalia’s emerging role as Egypt’s main livestock supplier.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Barre expressed the hope that the Egyptian and Somali business communities will continue to cooperate. “We will provide all necessary facilities for any Egyptian investment that wishes to do business in Somalia,” Barre said.
Other notable developments include the reopening of the Egyptian Embassy in Mogadishu and the launch of direct flights between Cairo and the Somali capital.
Prime Minister Barre expressed his deep gratitude to Egypt for providing weapons and ammunition to Somalia and for internal training of the Somali army, noting that the two countries have a historic partnership. “Somali political leaders and the Somali people are grateful for Egypt’s support and solidarity with us.”
The two leaders’ discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in various fields, including security, trade and education. Madbouly proposed organizing a business forum in Somalia to promote cooperation between Egyptian and Somali entrepreneurs, especially in the agricultural sector. Somalia has rich livestock and fishery resources and can become a major supplier to the Egyptian market.
“We are ready to export any goods or commodities that Somalia needs,” Madbouly said. “We will do everything to facilitate the entry of these goods and commodities to meet the needs of the Somali people.”
Barre also stressed the importance of continued cooperation with Egypt, especially in the field of education, where Egyptian scholarships play a vital role in building Somalia’s future.
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