Egypt President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud saw the signing of a noteworthy military cooperation agreement between Egypt and Somalia on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Held at Cairo’s Al-Ittowiczya Palace, the signing ceremony marks a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Based on the results of President Mohamud’s earlier this year visit to Egypt, the military cooperation treaty is a part of more general attempts to improve relations between Egypt and Somalia. The two leaders underlined in a meeting before the signing the great historical link between their nations and their mutual wish to enhance cooperation in many spheres, including political, security, and economic ones.
Emphasizing Egypt’s steadfast support of Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, President El-Sisi underlined that Egypt opposes any meddling in internal affairs of that country. He also underlined the need of preserving the stability of the Horn of Africa, a territory experiencing rising hostilities after the most recent events involving Ethiopia, Somaliland, and the Red Sea.
President Mohamud, for his part, thanked Egypt for its long-standing assistance and pointed out that Somalia wants to strengthen its ties to Egypt. During his multi-day official trip to Cairo, he also praised Egypt’s efforts in supporting the growth of Somali capacities in several spheres.
Agreeing to boost security and stability in the Horn of Africa, the leaders also addressed regional and worldwide problems of common concern and agreed to improve cooperation and communication. This covers addressing the issues presented regarding regional security and sovereignty by the recent lease of the coastline of Somaliland to Ethiopia.
Strengthened financial relations
Apart from the military cooperation schedule, Egypt and Somalia have experienced a development in their commercial relations. A report by the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) shows that trade volume between the two nations grew by 88% in the first half of 2024 compared to $31 million in the same period the year before.
Egypt sent a range of goods to Somalia, including sugar, pharmaceuticals, building supplies, milling and starch products, and starch products. Exports from Somalia to Egypt mostly comprised live animals, gum, plant extracts, grains, and oil fruits.
Notwithstanding these encouraging signs, the survey also reported a drop in Somali investments in Egypt and remittances from Egyptian expats in Somalia and Somalis in Egypt.
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Support and Cooperation: a Legacy
Deep roots abound in Egypt’s relationship with Somalia, most notably reinforced under the late President Gamal Abdel-Nasser’s leadership. Key supporter of Somalia’s struggle against colonialism and instrumental in maintaining its Arab-Islamic identity and territorial unity, Nasser was also Among the first countries to acknowledge Somali independence in 1960, Egypt has stayed a loyal friend through later events including civil war and attempts to preserve national unity.
Signing the military cooperation treaty helps Egypt and Somalia to reaffirm their dedication to mutual assistance and cooperation, therefore strengthening their shared goal of peace and security in the Horn of Africa as they negotiate regional problems.
