Cairo(Mogadishu24)-Somalia and Egypt have on Wednesday taken significant steps to bolster their bilateral relations with the signing of a defense agreement and the inauguration of a new Egyptian embassy premise in Mogadishu.

The developments were announced following bilateral talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.

The defense agreement, signed under the joint supervision of both leaders, aims to enhance security cooperation between the two nations. During a joint press conference, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the historic pact as a “testament to a future of common defense against the international terrorism we are combating both at home and abroad.”

He emphasized that the agreement would serve as a “blueprint for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the pursuit of regional, continental, and international peace and security.”

Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral Relations

President Mohamud expressed deep gratitude to President El-Sisi and the people of Egypt for their unwavering support of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The discussions between the two leaders reaffirmed the strength and durability of the historical relations between Egypt and Somalia, with both expressing a commitment to further deepen ties across various levels.

New Embassy and Direct Flights

In a move to enhance diplomatic relations, Egypt announced the opening of its new embassy premises in Mogadishu. Additionally, the two presidents welcomed the launch of a direct flight line between Cairo and Mogadishu, further solidifying the connection between the two capitals.

The signing of the military cooperation protocol during President Mohamud’s visit to Egypt underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, with both leaders expressing a shared commitment to mutual support and cooperation.

These developments build on the outcomes of President Mohamud’s previous visit to Egypt in January, marking a new chapter in the enduring relationship between Somalia and Egypt. Egypt is also expected to joint to the new AU mission troops in Somalia.