By HAN News Desk
CAIRO — Egypt has warned that any move to recognize the breakaway Somaliland region would violate international law and undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said following talks with a senior U.S. official.
Abdelatty made the remarks after meeting with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State in Cairo, where the two sides discussed regional developments, including the situation in Somalia and broader security concerns in the Horn of Africa.
According to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty stressed that recognizing what he described as “the so-called Somaliland” would contravene international legal principles and threaten the foundations of regional peace and security.
“Any recognition of Somaliland would violate international law and weaken the basis of stability in the Horn of Africa,” Abdelatty said, warning that such a step could have serious repercussions for security and stability across the region, including the strategically vital Red Sea.
The Egyptian foreign minister reaffirmed Cairo’s strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, signaling Egypt’s firm opposition to any attempts to alter Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
Egypt’s stance comes amid growing diplomatic activity and speculation surrounding Somaliland’s international status and its relations with regional and global actors. Cairo has increasingly positioned itself as a key supporter of the Somali federal government in regional forums.
The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State arrived on Sunday in Cairo as part of a regional tour that includes Ethiopia, Egypt and Djibouti. The visit follows talks held in Addis Ababa a day earlier and is aimed at addressing regional security, diplomatic relations and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
Egyptian officials indicated that discussions with the U.S. delegation also covered developments in the Red Sea, maritime security and the potential impact of regional tensions on international trade routes.
Somalia has consistently opposed any recognition of Somaliland, arguing that such a move would violate its sovereignty and threaten regional stability. Egypt’s latest comments underscore a growing alignment between Cairo and Mogadishu on the issue.
