Egypt and Somalia forge defense pact to combat terrorism

The presidents of Egypt and Somalia have signed a new defense agreement during a meeting in Cairo this week, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

“The agreement serves as a blueprint for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the pursuit of regional, continental and international peace and security,” the Somali presidential palace said in a statement.

Somalia has been engaged in a long-standing battle against Al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group, both within its borders and beyond, for nearly two decades.

Egypt has reportedly offered its support for a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which will succeed the current mission force.

This defense agreement follows Egypt’s recent announcement of opening a new embassy in Mogadishu, as noted by Middle East Monitor.

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that this move will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade and economic relations.

In a further sign of strengthening ties between the two countries, EgyptAir initiated direct flights between Cairo and Mogadishu last month.