Egypt has reiterated its commitment to supporting Somalia's stability and security, during a meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and US officials in Washington, DC. Abdelatty met with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, on September 20. The meeting focused on the ongoing arrangements for the new African Union mission to Somalia, underscoring the importance of strengthening stability in the country. The security of international trade in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, combating cross-border terrorism and organised crime, and tackling illegal migration to Europe were also discussed. During the meeting, Abdelatty emphasised that the Horn of Africa region is a top priority for Egyptian foreign policy, given its direct connection to Egypt's national security. He outlined Egypt's commitment to supporting efforts to achieve stability and restore security in the region, particularly in combating terrorism, extremism, and organised crime. Abdelatty also highlighted the importance of securing international navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait. Abdelatty stressed Egypt's commitment to achieving stability in Somalia through supporting the country's central state institutions, strengthening respect for Somali sovereignty and territorial integrity, and backing the Somali Federal Government's efforts to achieve security, combat terrorism, and enforce the state's sovereignty across its territory. Egypt is providing support to Somali counterparts in the area of building security and military capabilities, drawing on Egypt's experience in combating terrorism, achieving security, and enforcing the law. Abdelatty noted Egypt's broader commitment to strengthening the framework of peace, security, and sustainable development in the African continent. He highlighted the Egyptian President's leading role in post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts within the African Union, as well as Egypt's hosting of the African Union's Peacebuilding and Development Fund (AU PCRD) and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA). The meeting reflects Egypt's active engagement in promoting stability and security in the Horn of Africa, a region that is facing a number of challenges, including conflict, terrorism, and humanitarian crises.
