MOGADISHU, Somalia – Egypt on Saturday reiterated its opposition to any effort that would undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity, saying it rejects recognition of the self-declared republic of Somaliland as inconsistent with Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a telephone call with Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said that recognizing Somaliland would violate the unity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
Mr. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Somalia’s federal government and state institutions, describing Cairo’s position on Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as unchanged. He also said Egypt remained committed to supporting the country’s security and stability.
The ministers discussed ways to expand cooperation between their governments and exchanged views on political developments in Somalia and broader regional issues, including the security situation in the Horn of Africa.
Mr. Ali thanked Egypt for its continued political, development and security assistance, and praised what he described as Cairo’s consistent support for Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity.
He also said Somalia looked forward to maintaining close coordination with Egypt on bilateral and regional matters to promote stability and security across the Horn of Africa.
