Sisi says he follows Turkey-mediated Ethiopia-Somalia deal in call with Macron

CAIRO – 28 December 2024: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt is actively working to support Somalia in achieving security and stability, whether through bilateral cooperation or by participating in the African Union peacekeeping mission at Somalia's request.

As he received a phone call from France’s President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, Sisi stated that Egypt is following with interest the recent agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia through Turkish mediation, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

Sisi voiced hope that this agreement will contribute to enhancing security and stability in the Horn of Africa region and align with the principles of international law.

He underlined during the call the close connection between security and stability in the Horn of Africa and Egyptian national security.

TURKISH-MEDIATION

Earlier this month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that both Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a deal to solve their conflict, lasting since the beginning of the year, through an agreement mediated by Ankara.

Erdogan noted that the Ankara peace talks, which have lasted for several months, have reached a significant milestone, expressing plans that the three countries will chart their future steps together and implement projects that enhance regional peace and prosperity.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have worsened since January over a deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland.

The agreement, which allows Ethiopia potential access to the sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland, has been vehemently opposed by Somalia as an infringement on its sovereign rights.

Egypt has consistently voiced unwavering support for the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia amidst tensions.

GAZA TRUCE, PRISONER SWAP

The two presidents’ call included an exchange of views on regional developments, including Gaza.

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Over the past 24 hours, the Israeli occupation forces committed two massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, with 48 martyrs and 52 injuries arriving at hospitals, according to the daily news briefing by the Palestinian Ministry of Health branch in…

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Sisi and Macron stressed the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the exchange of captives and detainees, and ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid to the enclave.

They also underscored the necessity of avoiding escalation and a comprehensive war in the region.

Macron commended Egypt's tireless efforts since the onset of the crisis in Gaza, expressing France's full support for Egypt in its pursuit of a settlement that guarantees regional security and stability.

SYRIA, LEBANON

The two presidents also stressed the importance of preserving Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as the need to initiate a comprehensive political process that includes all segments of the Syrian population.

Additionally, they emphasized the importance of implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and fully executing the UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

They called for continued support to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese army and for expediting the election of a new president for Lebanon to contribute to stability in the country.

ENHANCING COOPERATION

The call also addressed the overall bilateral relations between Egypt and France.

Sisi and Macron emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in various fields, particularly economic relations and investments.

They highlighted the need to attract more French companies to invest in development projects in Egypt.