Egypt, Somalia sign joint political declaration to elevate relations to strategic partnership

CAIRO – 23 January 2025: The leaders of Egypt and Somalia signed on Thursday a joint political declaration to elevate the relations between both countries to the level of strategic partnership.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in Cairo, where they also witnessed the signing of an agreement for mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic passports between both countries.

In a press conference after the meeting, Sisi said the joint political declaration to elevate Egyptian-Somali relations covers various fields, including political, military, cultural and economic areas.

“The declaration stipulates holding annual political consultations at the summit level to follow up on the overall developments in relations between our two countries and to explore measures to enhance cooperation in various fields,” Sisi said.

Over the recent past year, Egypt and Somalia have exchanged bilateral high-level visits to enhance cooperation in various fields, including economic, educational, security and military fields.

The two presidents notably witnessed the signing of a military cooperation protocol between the two countries as they met in Cairo last August.

During today’s press conference, Sisi said he agreed with Mohamud on continuing joint action to activate the protocol with the aim of supporting Somali state’s capacities and national institutions, preserving security and stability and fighting terrorist and extremist groups.

Sisi added that they discussed at length the Egyptian forces’ participation in the new African Union mission in Somalia.

Last month, Sisi said 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.

Egypt has expressed its willingness to provide technical support and expertise to bolster Somalia’s capacity in addressing security challenges and reinforcing its national institutions.

Cairo has repeatedly underscored support to the Somali government in achieving security, countering terrorism and enforcing the state sovereignty within its territory.

In several occasions, Egypt has voiced unwavering support for the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia amidst tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January 2024, a self-declared state not recognized by Egypt.

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.

Both Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a deal to solve their conflict through an agreement mediated by Ankara last month.