Mogadishu, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Cairo on January 23 for official talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, local reports confirm. Official statements indicate the leaders focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, Red Sea security, and expanding economic ties.
The trip, held at President el — Sisi’s invitation, lasted one day and included a high-level Somali delegation.
This was President Mohamud’s second Cairo visit in five months.
In August the two governments signed a defense agreement to strengthen joint security operations.
According to regional officials, both sides now seek faster implementation of that pact amid concerns over maritime trade disruptions and armed group activity.
During the first half of 2024, two-way trade reached about 59 million USD, up from 31 million USD in the same period of 2023, Egyptian statistics bodies report. Officials on both sides say they want the trend to continue through new investment protocols covering agriculture, livestock, and port logistics.
Egypt currently contributes troops to the African Union mission supporting Somali forces against Islamist insurgents.
Mogadishu is preparing to take over full security responsibility when the mission’s current mandate expires later this year, and official statements indicate Cairo has pledged continued training and equipment support.
The governments have not released a full communiqué, and further details of any new agreements remain undisclosed.
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Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
