Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, held a high-level meeting with the newly appointed Egyptian Ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Salah Keshtah, at the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu today. The meeting was attended by key military and diplomatic officials, including the Commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Odawaa Yusuf Raage.
During the discussions, Minister Fiqi and Ambassador Keshtah emphasized the longstanding historical ties between Somalia and Egypt, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration in areas of security, defense, and regional stability. Both sides underscored the shared commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation, particularly in light of emerging security challenges in the Horn of Africa.
Minister Fiqi reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to strengthening its defense capabilities and expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support in training, capacity-building, and technical assistance for the Somali armed forces. He noted that the partnership between the two nations has been crucial in counterterrorism efforts, regional peacekeeping, and the professionalization of Somalia’s security institutions.
Ambassador Keshtah, for his part, expressed Egypt’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. He highlighted opportunities for joint initiatives, including defense training programs, intelligence sharing, and strategic dialogues aimed at addressing both domestic and regional security threats.
The meeting also explored avenues to enhance diplomatic engagement, strengthen political ties, and expand economic and developmental partnerships between the two countries. Both officials agreed on the importance of continued high-level consultations to ensure alignment on security priorities and collaborative projects.
The discussions concluded with a mutual commitment to reinforce the historic and strategic relationship between Somalia and Egypt, fostering long-term stability, peace, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
This meeting marks a significant step in Somalia-Egypt relations, reflecting both countries’ dedication to cooperation in defence, security, and regional stability amidst ongoing challenges in the region.
