Photo courtesy of Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
FM Abdelatty stressed to the Somali foreign minister Egypt's categorical rejection of any unilateral recognition that affects the unity of Somali territory.
He said Egypt rejects the establishment of parallel entities outside the internationally recognized legal frameworks, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Abdelatty added that such moves violate international law and threaten the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The Egyptian foreign minister's remarks echo previous statements by Egypt and regional partners following Israel’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in December.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by any United Nations member state.
FM Abdelatty also praised the outcome of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's visit to Cairo on 8 February, describing it as a step forward in deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding political, security, and economic cooperation.
He highlighted the participation of Egyptian forces in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), saying it reflects the trust between the two countries and Egypt's commitment to supporting stability in Somalia.
He also reiterated Egypt's support for Somali state institutions in combating militancy and strengthening security.
The minister said the lineup of Egyptian troops assigned to AUSSOM, displayed during a ceremony on Tuesday attended by senior military commanders and the Somali president, reflected a high level of competence, discipline, and professionalism.
“This deployment embodies the Egyptian military's readiness, advanced capabilities, and commitment to carrying out national and regional missions, reaffirming its role as a cornerstone of security and stability in the region and across Africa,” Abdelatty was quoted as saying.
He also stressed the importance of boosting economic and investment cooperation, as well as trade, according to the statement.
He added that Cairo would continue to support capacity-building efforts for Somali institutions, including through training programmes offered by Egyptian bodies and the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development.
Abdelatty also voiced support for securing sustainable funding for the African Union mission to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.
For his part, Minister Ali thanked Egypt for hosting a session of the African Union Peace and Security Council under its chairmanship to discuss developments in Somalia.
He also praised Cairo's role in supporting Somalia's unity and efforts to mobilize African and international backing for Somali institutions, the statement noted.
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