Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss strategies for combating terrorism and enhancing Somalia’s security.
Following their discussions, the two nations signed a military cooperation protocol.
During a news briefing, President el-Sissi expressed his support for Somalia’s efforts to fight terrorism and maintain stability. “I fully support your efforts in combating terrorism, securing the country, and ensuring its stability,” he stated.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted the significance of the new defense agreement between Somalia and Egypt, saying, “One of the outcomes of today’s meeting, which I am very proud of and committed to, is the new defense agreement signed between Somalia and Egypt.”
Earlier in the week, hundreds of people gathered at a beach hotel in Somalia, the site of a recent attack claimed by al-Qaida’s East Africa affiliate that resulted in 37 deaths and numerous injuries. The crowd condemned the violence and called for stronger security measures.