Saturday August 31, 2024
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre (L) meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly (R) in Cairo to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, including military cooperation and economic partnerships. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing Somalia's sovereignty and unity amid rising regional tensions. (CREDIT: OPM Somalia)
Mogadishu (HOL) — Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has reiterated his country's unwavering support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity during a meeting with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Cairo on Saturday. His declaration comes as diplomatic pressures rise in the Horn of Africa following Somaliland's contentious agreement to lease part of its coastline to Ethiopia for a naval base and commercial port.
The meeting included Somali Ambassador to Cairo Ali Abdi Aware and Ibrahim El-Khouly, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for the Horn of Africa.
Madbouly emphasized that supporting Somalia remains a top priority for Egypt, restating the nation's commitment to aiding Somalia in maintaining its sovereignty. "Egypt stands firmly with Somalia in safeguarding its unity and territorial integrity," Madbouly stated.
The meeting also highlighted recent efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. This week, two Egyptian C-130 military planes arrived in Mogadishu carrying military equipment. The delivery aligns with the joint defence deal signed in August 2024, which includes training Somali forces and potentially participating in the African Union's new mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) set to begin in January 2025.
Beyond military cooperation, Egypt and Somalia have also strengthened their economic ties. Trade between the two countries surged by 88% in the first half of 2024, with Egyptian exports to Somalia, including goods like starch, sugar, and pharmaceuticals, rising significantly. Somalia's exports to Egypt, primarily livestock, have also increased, reflecting the growing economic interdependence between the two nations.
In response to soaring meat prices and a domestic shortage, Egypt has begun importing large quantities of livestock from Somalia. This shift in Egypt's livestock import strategy, driven by ongoing conflicts in Sudan, spotlights Somalia's emerging role as a key livestock supplier to Egypt.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Barre expressed hope for continued cooperation between the Egyptian and Somali business communities. "We will provide all the necessary facilities for any Egyptian investment that wishes to work in Somalia," said Barre.
Other notable developments include reopening the Egyptian embassy in Mogadishu and the inauguration of a direct flight route between Cairo and the Somali capital.
Prime Minister Barre expressed deep appreciation for Egypt's delivery of weapons and ammunition to Somalia and the in-house training of Somali troops, noting the historic partnership between the two nations. "The Somali political leadership and the Somali people thank Egypt for their support and solidarity with us."
The discussions between the leaders focused on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including security, trade, and education. Madbouly proposed the organization of a business forum in Somalia to foster collaboration between Egyptian and Somali entrepreneurs, particularly in agriculture. Somalia, with its rich livestock and fisheries resources, could become a key supplier to the Egyptian market.
"We are ready to export any goods or commodities that Somalia needs," Madbouly said. "We will make every effort to facilitate the entry of these goods and commodities to meet the needs of the Somali people."
Barre also stressed the importance of continued collaboration with Egypt, particularly in education, where Egyptian scholarships have played a vital role in building Somalia's future.