Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee, Abdelatty said Egypt’s position was “principled” and based on respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He said the recognition contravenes the United Nations (UN) Charter, the Arab League Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU), and undermines agreed borders on the continent.
“Egypt’s rejection of recognizing Somaliland is a principled position based on the rules of international law,” Abdelatty said. “Just as we reject the creation of parallel entities in Sudan, or the secession of any region in Yemen, Libya or Syria, we fully support the national state and its institutions and reject any unilateral measures that lead to division.”
He added that the move infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, as well as the Somali people’s right to preserve their territorial integrity.
On Gaza, Abdelatty said Egypt is awaiting further clarification on the proposed Gaza Peace Council referenced in UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2803, including its mandate, composition, and powers, before taking a position.
He said any such body should focus on monitoring funds allocated for early recovery and reconstruction and ensuring oversight of spending.
Abdelatty said talks with McEntee focused on the Israeli war on Gaza and the humanitarian situation in both the strip and the occupied West Bank. He called for the immediate removal of obstacles to the entry of humanitarian, medical, and relief aid into Gaza.
He said McEntee is scheduled to visit the Rafah crossing on Tuesday to inspect Egyptian facilities and observe the Israeli restrictions on aid entry, including objections based on “dual-use” claims.
Abdelatty reiterated that the Rafah crossing cannot operate from one side only, stressing the need for its full operation to allow patient evacuations and the return of Palestinians who have completed medical treatment abroad.
He also called for the urgent entry of relief supplies and temporary housing units to provide shelter for Gaza’s displaced population, and for the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
“There will be no security or stability in the region without the Palestinian people obtaining their full rights and establishing an independent state on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” Abdelatty said, reiterating Egypt’s support for a two-state solution as “the only strategic option for lasting peace and stability.”
The talks also covered developments in Sudan, Libya, Syria, and Lebanon. Abdelatty said Egypt supports Sudan’s unity and national institutions, particularly the army, and warned against escalation that could destabilize Lebanon.
On bilateral relations, Abdelatty said Egypt and Ireland discussed expanding trade, boosting Irish investment in Egypt, and increasing cooperation in education, innovation, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and start-ups, noting plans to launch the first Egypt–European Union (EU) security dialogue in Cairo next March.
McEntee praised Egypt’s role in facilitating humanitarian assistance to Gaza and described Cairo as a key partner for the EU. She reaffirmed Ireland’s support for a two-state solution and confirmed her planned visit to the Rafah crossing on Tuesday.
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