Egypt has expressed its support to Somalia’s fight against terrorism and efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa nation.

In a statement, Cairo emphasized its continued determination to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, highlighting their historical ties.

The two countries signed a defence pact last year to bolster security cooperation following bilateral talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi and his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Somalia has been waging a campaign against the Al Shabab terrorist group and government forces have been making progress in capturing territories previously under the control of the terrorists.

Security and stability

Last week, the Somali army honoured its soldiers for showing acts of bravery during one of the fiercest battles against the terrorists in recent months.

The Egyptian administration reaffirmed its support for the brotherly Somali people in the context of regional developments in the Horn of Africa and Somalia's internal dynamics the statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry said.

Egypt also stated that efforts to ensure security and stability in Somalia are supported through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

 It said that work was continuing in the implementation of the “strategic partnership declaration” announced during the Somali president's visit to Cairo early this year.

The Egyptian administration also reiterated its determination to continue strengthening relations with Somalia in the strategic, economic, and cultural fields and to take concrete steps that meet the expectations of the peoples of both countries.