CAIRO/MOGADISHU – Egypt has once again reiterated its firm support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting any efforts to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
During a phone conversation on Saturday with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed that Cairo completely opposes any measures that could undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity, including recognition of what he described as the “so-called Somaliland.”
According to a statement issued by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty said that recognizing Somaliland would constitute a violation of the sovereignty and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and would contradict Egypt’s longstanding position in support of Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
The Egyptian minister reaffirmed Cairo’s unwavering support for Somalia’s federal institutions and emphasized Egypt’s commitment to assisting the country in its efforts to strengthen security, stability, and state-building. He noted that Egypt views Somalia’s stability as an important element of peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region.
The discussion also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The ministers reviewed ongoing political, security, and development cooperation and exchanged views on recent developments within Somalia, as well as broader regional issues affecting the Horn of Africa.
For his part, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali expressed appreciation for Egypt’s continued support at the political, developmental, and security levels. He praised Cairo’s consistent stance in defending Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity at regional and international forums.
Ali also reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to maintaining close consultation and coordination with Egypt on issues of mutual concern, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to promote security, stability, and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
Egypt has repeatedly voiced support for Somalia’s territorial integrity amid ongoing regional debates surrounding Somaliland’s quest for international recognition. While Somaliland has operated with its own government and institutions since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, it has not been recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations or any member state, and Somalia continues to regard it as an integral part of its territory.
The latest exchange between Cairo and Mogadishu highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and underscores Egypt’s continued backing of Somalia’s position on national unity and territorial integrity.
