Egyptian President al-Sisi expressed commitment to monitoring the Ethiopia-Somalia agreement mediated by Turkey, hoping it will enhance regional security and stability. He emphasized the connection between Horn of Africa stability and Egypt’s national security during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, advocating for increased economic cooperation between Egypt and France.
In a recent statement, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi indicated that he is diligently monitoring the agreement formed between Ethiopia and Somalia, which was mediated by Turkey. Expressing optimism that this accord will foster security and stability in the Horn of Africa, al-Sisi underscored the importance of adherence to international law principles. His comments were made during a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, wherein the leaders discussed the significance of enhancing cooperation in various sectors, particularly in economic and investment fields, alongside attracting more French enterprises to Egypt’s development initiatives.
President al-Sisi articulated his concerns about the relationship between security and stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing its direct impact on Egypt’s national security. He highlighted Egypt’s ongoing support for Somalia in its quest for stability, which includes bilateral cooperation and participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission at Somalia’s invitation. This strategic relationship comes in light of recent tensions arising from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland concerning the Berbera port, with Turkish mediation playing a pivotal role in reconciliation efforts.
The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 12, marked a significant improvement in ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, reinforcing mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. As Ethiopia and Somalia work to resolve lingering disputes, the region looks toward a future characterized by cooperative stability acting in accordance with international norms.
The backdrop of this discourse involves ongoing regional tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, especially following Ethiopia’s earlier agreement with the self-governed region of Somaliland regarding the access to the Red Sea port of Berbera. Turkey’s involvement aims to mediate and resolve existing frictions, thereby paving the way for improved relations and agreements, notably the Ankara Declaration which signifies a commitment between the two nations to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Egypt’s role in supporting Somalia is crucial, as stability in this region is directly linked to its own national security interests.
In conclusion, President al-Sisi’s remarks reflect Egypt’s vested interest in the stability of the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of the recent Ethiopia-Somalia agreement obtained through Turkish mediation. The emphasis on enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic ventures, coupled with support for Somalia’s security efforts, underscores Egypt’s commitment to regional stability. Both leaderships acknowledge that prosperity in the region directly correlates with their national security agendas, thus promoting a cooperative diplomatic approach to resolve tensions.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
