Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held high-level talks on Monday in the coastal city of Alamein, reaffirming their countries’ commitment to strengthening a strategic partnership amid mounting regional challenges in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea corridor.
The Somali president arrived in Egypt on Sunday, leading a high-level delegation at the invitation of President El-Sisi. The visit marks a new milestone in bilateral relations, as both nations seek to advance political, security, and economic cooperation at a time of shifting regional dynamics and heightened geopolitical competition.
According to the Egyptian Presidency, the leaders began with a closed-door session followed by expanded talks between senior officials from both countries. Discussions focused on key bilateral files and evolving regional developments, particularly in the Horn of Africa and surrounding waters.
Strategic and Military Cooperation
President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s full and unwavering support for Somalia’s stability, unity, and national sovereignty, citing long-standing historical, cultural, and religious ties between the two countries.
“Our partnership is rooted in shared history and common interests,” El-Sisi said during a joint press conference. “We are committed to deepening this partnership in a way that promotes peace, development, and resilience in Somalia and throughout the region.”
One of the central themes of the talks was military and security cooperation. The two leaders agreed to continue building on the August 2024 defense agreement, which paved the way for Egyptian support in training and equipping Somali security forces.
El-Sisi noted that Egypt would continue to provide technical and logistical support aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Somalia’s military and police institutions, particularly in counterterrorism operations and efforts to restore central government authority across Somali territory.
They also discussed Egypt’s military and police contributions to the African Union’s new stabilization mission in Somalia, with a shared call for predictable and sustainable international funding to ensure the mission’s effectiveness.
Regional Stability and Red Sea Security
The talks also addressed the growing strategic importance of Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb security. Both leaders stressed the need for stronger maritime coordination in light of increasing threats from piracy, arms smuggling, and militant activity along key trade routes.
“We agreed on the importance of intensifying cooperation to ensure the stability of the Red Sea region, given its direct impact on regional and global security,” El-Sisi stated.
The meeting comes at a time when Egypt has stepped up its military engagement in Somalia, including the delivery of military aid and training programs. This growing presence has drawn concern from Ethiopia, which views it as part of Cairo’s broader push to counterbalance Addis Ababa’s regional ambitions—especially following the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt deems unlawful.
Political Dialogue and National Unity
El-Sisi also praised President Mohamud’s leadership in building national consensus and encouraging political reconciliation within Somalia. He reiterated Cairo’s full support for inclusive political dialogue and institutional rebuilding, underlining the importance of Somali-led solutions to Somalia’s complex challenges.
“Egypt will continue to stand by Somalia in its efforts to strengthen national institutions, preserve territorial unity, and defeat terrorism,” El-Sisi affirmed.
For his part, President Mohamud thanked Egypt for its historical and ongoing support and emphasized that Somalia views Cairo as a vital ally in its long-term state-building journey.
Expanding the Scope of Cooperation
In addition to security and politics, the two presidents discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, education, infrastructure, and development. They agreed to activate previously signed frameworks and to explore new opportunities in energy, agriculture, and port development, with a focus on job creation and mutual benefit.
The visit comes in the context of Egypt’s broader strategic engagement with East Africa and the Red Sea region, where Cairo is working to forge new alliances amid intensifying geopolitical competition.
“Our shared future depends on our ability to deepen coordination, respond to common threats, and invest in sustainable development,” El-Sisi concluded.
The joint statement issued after the talks reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to continue consultation and coordination at the highest levels, including through regular diplomatic, military, and economic channels.
The visit underscores Egypt’s expanding regional diplomacy and Somalia’s efforts to reassert its sovereignty and strategic value in a rapidly shifting African and Middle Eastern landscape.
