Egypt warns of risks of escalation repercussions on Red Sea

CAIRO – 5 February 2026: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty received his Somali Mr. Abdisalam Abdi Ali to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate positions on issues of mutual interest.

Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and Egypt’s rejection of the establishment of parallel entities outside internationally recognized legal frameworks. He condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of the so-called Somaliland, describing it as a violation of international law, an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. He warned of the risks of escalation and its potential repercussions on regional security and stability, including the Red Sea.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting efforts to build Somali state institutions and enhance their capacity to achieve security and stability, particularly in confronting terrorism and extremism. He stressed the importance of maximizing the benefits of training programs provided by national institutions, the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, which contribute to strengthening national capacities and promoting stability. He also emphasized the need for enhanced regional and international coordination to address these challenges and tackle their root causes.

Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdelatty praised the growing momentum in Egyptian–Somali relations and the shared commitment to advancing cooperation across economic, developmental, and investment sectors. This commitment is reflected in the relocation of the Egyptian Embassy to Mogadishu for the first time since 1991. 

He underscored the importance of continuing to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries in all fields, particularly security, trade, infrastructure, electricity and renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural and food processing industries, in order to meet the aspirations and shared interests of both peoples. He also highlighted the importance of expanding trade exchange, especially with the imminent opening of a Banque Misr branch in Mogadishu, which is expected to further strengthen economic cooperation.

Minister Abdelatty further emphasized Egypt’s support for international efforts aimed at achieving security, stability, and development in Somalia, highlighting the importance of cooperation with international partners to secure sufficient and sustainable funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

The two ministers also exchanged views on ways to promote peace, security, stability, and development across the African continent. They discussed preparations for the upcoming African Union Peace and Security Council session, to be held under Egypt’s current chairmanship, focusing on developments in Somalia. They agreed on the importance of continued coordination and consultation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly in light of the forthcoming African Union Summit and Somalia’s membership in the United Nations Security Council, to advance the shared interests of both countries and their peoples.

For his part, the Somali Foreign Minister expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s supportive role, affirming Somalia’s pride in the historical and fraternal ties between the two countries. He commended Egypt’s consistent efforts to support Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and to strengthen its national institutions, expressed appreciation for the political, developmental, and capacity-building assistance provided by Egypt, and emphasized Somalia’s aspiration to further enhance cooperation and coordination with Egypt across various fields in support of security, stability, and development in Somalia and the wider region.