ALAMEIN, Egypt (HornPost) Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday on the sidelines of the inaugural Alamein Africa Business Forum in New Alamein, with discussions focusing on bilateral relations, Somalia’s stability and regional security.
The meeting was confirmed by the Egyptian presidency, which said El-Sisi welcomed Hassan Sheikh and highlighted the development of relations between Egypt and Somalia, particularly since the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2025.
Somalia-Egypt Relations
According to the Egyptian presidency, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and said Cairo would continue providing support aimed at strengthening Somali state institutions, security and stability. Presidency
Hassan Sheikh, for his part, expressed appreciation for Egypt’s continued engagement with Somalia and praised Cairo’s support at political, security and development levels, according to the Egyptian presidency.
The two presidents also discussed developments inside Somalia, with El-Sisi stressing the importance of national consensus among Somali political actors as part of efforts to maintain state stability and address security challenges.
Horn of Africa and Red Sea Security
Regional security was also part of the discussions.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of continued coordination between Egypt, Somalia and other regional states on security issues affecting the Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Red Sea, according to Cairo’s presidential statement. Presidency
The discussions come as Egypt has increased its engagement in Somalia’s security affairs. Cairo has previously announced its intention to contribute personnel and logistical support to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Ahram Online
Egypt and Somalia have also maintained close consultations on regional security, including the Red Sea and the wider Horn of Africa.
Hassan Sheikh Promotes Investment in Somalia
The meeting took place as President Hassan Sheikh participated in the Alamein Africa Business Forum, which is bringing together African heads of state, government officials, investors, financial institutions and business leaders.
In his address to the forum, Hassan Sheikh highlighted investment opportunities in Somalia and encouraged African and international companies to invest in the country’s economy.
He described Somalia as a country rebuilding and reforming its economy and said the government was open to trade and investment. Dawan Africa
The forum, being held from October 2–4 in New Alamein, is designed to connect African governments and the private sector around investment, infrastructure, trade, finance, technology and other areas of economic development. Alamein Africa Forum
The African Union said the inaugural forum is intended to strengthen links between governments and the private sector and accelerate investment and intra-African trade. African Union
A Broader Strategic Relationship
The Hassan Sheikh-El-Sisi meeting follows a period of closer political and security cooperation between Mogadishu and Cairo.
In January 2025, the two countries signed a joint political declaration elevating their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The agreement covers political, security, military, economic and other areas of cooperation.
The latest meeting therefore comes at a time when both governments are seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation while coordinating on security issues affecting the Horn of Africa and Red Sea.
For Somalia, Egypt’s diplomatic and security engagement comes amid continued efforts to strengthen national institutions and attract investment. For Egypt, Somalia is an important partner in the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
