CAIRO (SD) – Egyptian President Al Sisi, in a phone call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, mentioned that Egypt is working to support Somalia in achieving security and stability.

Al Sisi stated that this would be achieved through “bilateral cooperation” previously agreed upon by Mogadishu and Cairo or through participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission at Somalia’s request.

President Sisi also added that he is closely monitoring the recent agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia, facilitated by Turkey, expressing hope that this agreement will contribute to the stabilization of Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region and be in accordance with international legal principles.

The French President, who has lost his military and political influence in Africa, recently met with Abiy Ahmed, discussing the increasing tensions and what Egypt called the non-negotiable nature of its national security and the stability of the Red Sea.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Somalia and Ethiopia had reached an agreement to resolve their dispute, ongoing since the beginning of this year, with Ankara mediating the agreement.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have been escalating since January, stemming from an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland involving the exchange of maritime access and recognition.