Egypt and Somalia signed a defense pact on Wednesday to strengthen security cooperation.
The agreement was finalized following talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during Mohamud’s visit to Cairo.
The Somali government described the pact as a significant defense agreement designed to enhance security collaboration between the two nations.
It is seen as a crucial step towards deepening ties and mutual support.
During a press conference with El-Sisi, Mohamud highlighted the pact as “historic,” emphasizing its role in countering international terrorism, which Somalia faces both domestically and internationally.
The Somali presidential palace noted that the agreement outlines the exchange of knowledge and expertise aimed at advancing regional, continental, and global peace and security.
Additionally, Egypt proposed support for a new African Union peacekeeping mission to replace the current force in Somalia.
Egypt’s exports to Somalia rose to $54 million in 2023, a 27.7% increase from the previous year, while Somali exports to Egypt remained steady at $2.2 million.