In Cairo, Egypt, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli expressed unwavering support for Somalia during a meeting with Somali Ambassador Elias Sheikh Omar Abu Bakr. The meeting took place on Sunday at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
Madbouli emphasized the crucial role of Somalia’s stability in achieving security and stability in the region. He expressed his eagerness to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Somalia and sent his regards to the Somali Prime Minister through Ambassador Abu Bakr.
Ambassador Abu Bakr, who is concluding his term in Egypt, expressed gratitude to Egyptian institutions for their assistance. He highlighted Somalia’s continued need for Egyptian support, especially in light of the political and security challenges it faces.
The ambassador underscored Cairo’s active involvement in aiding Mogadishu, emphasizing the ongoing support required from Arab nations, particularly Egypt.
This reaffirmation of support comes amidst escalating regional tensions involving Somalia and Ethiopia. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated in January that Egypt will not tolerate any threats to Somali security, regarding Ethiopia’s recent agreement with North Western of Somalia as a concern.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also visited Egypt seeking regional backing in response to the Ethiopia-North Western of Somalia agreement. The visit included meetings with Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Al-Azhar Mosque’s Grand Imam, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.
The situation further complicates already strained relations between Egypt and Ethiopia, primarily due to disputes surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. Efforts to reach an agreement on the dam’s operations and filling have persisted for over a decade, presenting a significant regional challenge.
