Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated that Egypt has played a supportive role for Somalia throughout history, starting from the Ogaden War in 1977. Egypt also defended Somalia in 1964, and Kamal El-Din Saleh, an Egyptian diplomat in Somalia, was martyred there in 1957 during Somalia’s liberation efforts.
The Somali Foreign Minister accused the previous administration under President Farmajo of preventing an Egyptian plane carrying essential medical supplies from landing in Mogadishu. This decision was reportedly made under pressure from Ethiopia to divert the plane, a move the minister criticized as harsh and unnecessary.
The minister revealed that Somalia is now receiving military aid and ammunition from Egypt. He affirmed Somalia’s right to enter into agreements with other countries, emphasizing the country’s sovereignty in making independent decisions.
He praised the Egyptian-Somali relations, describing them as historical, strategic, deep-rooted, and currently experiencing significant convergence, supported by strong political will and the leaders’ commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination in various fields.
He added that the Egyptian-Somali relations extend back to the time of Queen Hatshepsut, describing them as long-standing and historical.
Egypt and Somalia have recently strengthened their bilateral relations through a series of diplomatic engagements and agreements aimed at enhancing mutual support and cooperation. In August 2024, the two nations signed a significant defense pact, which was seen as a move to reinforce their strategic ties amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly with Ethiopia. This defense agreement came during a period of intensified interactions between Somalia and other regional players, marking a milestone in their longstanding partnership.
Moreover, the relationship between Egypt and Somalia has been historically robust, with Egypt playing a supportive role in Somalia’s regional and international affairs. The interactions have included military cooperation and Egypt’s advocacy for Somalia’s interests on international platforms. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt has affirmed his country’s ongoing support to help Somalia face its challenges, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism, and in building state institutions
