Daily News Egypt
Saturday, September 29, 2012
President Mohamed Morsy said Egypt could train the Somali army and coast guards in a speech at a United Nations summit on Somalia, Wednesday.
Morsy asserted Egypt’s “full support for Somalia in all fields and its continuous contribution towards human development.” He added Egypt is willing to train members of the Somali army, as well as coast guards, and welcomes “concerned international parties to participate in this.”
Morsy said the war-torn country faced many challenges, including regaining territory from extremist groups, so regional and international players should show support for the Somali government and people.
The reason behind the conflict in Somalia, according to Egypt’s premier, was a profound misunderstanding of the teachings of Islam, with people choosing extremism and militancy over tolerance. He added you cannot fight extremism through force; you have to counter it by spreading the real teachings of Islam.
Morsy expressed his appreciation for efforts made by the African Union’s mission in Somalia (AMISOM). AMISOM and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia have been working together to regain territories seized by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabab militants. The TFG’s mandate ended in August, following which, the first permanent federal government in Somalia since 1991 was set up and a new president elected.