By HAN News Desk
CAIRO — Greece and Cyprus, traditionally close political partners of Israel, have publicly reaffirmed their support for the independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia after high-level diplomatic talks with Egypt’s foreign minister, officials said Monday.
In a series of consultations in Cairo with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Greek and Cypriot counterparts discussed a range of regional issues, including developments in the Horn of Africa and broader efforts to promote peace and stability. While the discussions touched on security cooperation and economic ties across the Mediterranean, both Athens and Nicosia used the opportunity to underscore their backing for Somalia’s sovereignty in the face of recent geopolitical tensions.
The foreign ministry of Cyprus reaffirmed that it aligns with the European Union’s call to respect the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. In an official statement, Nicosia emphasized that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia, echoing the position adopted by the EU, the African Union and other international partners. The statement was issued in the wake of Israel’s December recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state — a move that Somalia and many of its allies have sharply condemned as a violation of international law.
Greece’s foreign ministry also reiterated Athens’ support for internationally recognized borders and state sovereignty, aligning with European and African efforts to encourage dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes within Somalia. While Greece has strong diplomatic ties with Israel, Greek officials signaled that their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity is rooted in broader principles of international law and regional stability.
Egypt, which hosted the consultations, has been a vocal advocate for Somali unity and national sovereignty. Minister Abdelatty used the meetings to stress that unilateral recognitions of breakaway regions — like Israel’s decision regarding Somaliland — threaten peace and destabilize the Horn of Africa, a strategically significant region linking East Africa and the Red Sea. Cairo, along with several other African and Middle Eastern capitals, has called for respect for Somalia’s constitutional order and for solutions that uphold the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu.
The diplomatic engagement comes at a complex moment for Somalia, which is navigating internal political challenges and pressures from competing external actors. With support from regional organizations and global partners, the Somali government has been pushing a foreign policy that seeks to reinforce its sovereignty and attract constructive engagement while deterring unilateral moves that could undermine its territorial integrity.
