Egypt reiterated its support for the African Union’s mission in Somalia and called for sustained international backing for peacekeeping efforts in the country, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during a phone call with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, during which they discussed developments in Somalia and ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of securing sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), noting Egypt’s participation in the mission.
He also called for maintaining and supporting the UN mission in Somalia and ensuring adequate funding for both missions to help preserve security and stability.
Supportive of Somalia’s unity
He said continued international support for the missions was important as Somalia works to strengthen its national institutions and security capabilities and confront threats from terrorism and extremism.
Egypt remains fully supportive of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Abdelatty said, rejecting any unilateral measures that could undermine Somalia’s territorial unity or sovereignty.
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen Somalia’s state institutions and capabilities, particularly in combating terrorism, the ministry said.
The two ministers also discussed the broader security situation in the Horn of Africa and the importance of continued coordination between Cairo and Mogadishu on regional issues.
Shared interests
Abdi Ali welcomed Egypt’s continued support for Somalia and its positions backing the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement said. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to close coordination with Egypt and to strengthening bilateral relations in pursuit of shared interests.
The call comes as Somalia and its international partners work to consolidate security gains and strengthen national institutions, with AUSSOM playing a key role in supporting Somali security forces and the country’s broader efforts to combat terrorist groups.
