Egypt and Somalia signed a significant defense agreement on Wednesday aimed at bolstering security cooperation between the two nations.
The pact was formalized following bilateral talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is currently on a two-day state visit.
Both leaders hailed the agreement as a crucial step in combating terrorism, a persistent threat facing both countries.
Somali President Mohamud described the pact as “historic,” emphasizing its role in fostering knowledge and expertise exchange for regional and global security.
In addition to the defense pact, Egypt expressed its support for a new African Union peacekeeping mission to replace the current force in Somalia.
This offer underscores Egypt’s commitment to stability in the Horn of Africa.
The burgeoning security partnership coincides with increased economic ties between the two nations.
Egyptian exports to Somalia surged by 27.7% in the first eleven months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, reaching $54 million.
While Somali exports to Egypt remained relatively stable at $2.2 million, the overall trade relationship is showing positive growth.
The defense pact and growing economic cooperation signal a deepening partnership between Egypt and Somalia, with implications for regional security and stability.