Hargeisa (SD) – The Egyptian government is working on a diplomatic agreement with theSomaliland government, amid tensions with Ethiopia.

Egyptian government delegation has paid an unannounced visit to the Somaliland capital Hargeisa recently, where they were met with top Somaliland government officials, particularly with President Muse Bihi.

Egypt now seeks an important opportunity to align itself with Somaliland, at a time it has significant Nile dispute with Ethiopia, a close ally of Somaliland.

Egypt’s decision also comes as the Somali federal government has sided with Ethiopia, who is embroiled in a dispute over the Nile dam with Egypt, a staunch Somalia ally in the past.

Somaliland and Egypt are expected to exchange Ambassadors, according to sources close to the matter, which is to create a strong concern for the Somali federal government and Ethiopia.

Somaliland and Ethiopia had in the past enjoyed good diplomatic relations, but in recently years deteriorated with Ethiopia for the first time advocating and pressuring Somaliland to reunify with Somalia.

An agreement between Somaliland and Egypt will certainly escalate the Nile dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt.