Egypt to Promote Cooperation with Djibouti, Somalia

In a move aimed at boosting cooperation with the countries of the Horn of Africa, Egypt on Friday inaugurated a direct flight between Cairo, Djibouti and Mogadishu.

The move, according to experts, has political and security dimensions, in light of developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

1It also reflects Egypt’s plans to support its security, economic and commercial interests in the region.

On Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty accompanied by Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh al-Hefny, embarked on a tour operated by EgyptAir to Djibouti and Mogadishu, marking the first direct flights between Egypt and these two African nations.

“The inauguration of this direct flight line between Egypt and both Djibouti and Somalia comes within the framework of keenness to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and ties between the peoples of the three countries,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

It also reflects the historical and deep relations between Egypt and both nations, the Ministry added.

Deputy President of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs, Ambassador Salah Halima, spoke about the political implications of Egypt’s decision to launch direct flights to Somalia and Djibouti.

“It reflects Cairo’s plans to strengthen relations in the economic, commercial and security spheres. Such a move has a positive impact in facilitating the movement of people and promoting commercial activity with the two countries,” Halima told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Also, he said, Egypt’s decision to strengthen cooperation with Somalia and Djibouti has “mainly security interests while Cairo aims to address security threats in the Horn of Africa.”

Economic and commercial interests come in second place, Halima said, noting that Somalia and Djibouti face many security challenges in light of the developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.

“The Egyptian move stems from the fact that both countries are part of the Egyptian national security,” he noted.

Halima then said there is a link between regional developments, such as the Gaza war, the Sudan crisis, the security situation in the Red Sea, the Ethiopian-Somali tension, and Egypt’s moves towards strengthening its relations with the Horn of Africa.

“Therefore, cooperation between Cairo, Djibouti and Mogadishu has political and security dimensions,” he noted.

Earlier, Egypt emphasized the importance of achieving security, stability, and peace in Somalia as a fundamental pillar for security and stability in the entire region.

This came after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that would give Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea, a key waterway for global trade. In return, Ethiopia would consider recognizing Somaliland’s independence.

Salah Khalil, researcher at Al-Ahram Center for Social and Historical Studies, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the launch of a direct flight between Egypt and both Somalia and Djibouti is an important step that reflects the level of good relations between the three countries.

“While regional and international parties and powers compete in the Horn of Africa, Cairo seeks to preserve its interests,” Khalil explained.

He said Egypt is monitoring the situation in the region, and it provides cooperation programs to support the public institutions of regional countries; including rehabilitation programs and training for Somali cadres in various security and diplomatic fields.

Source: Asharq Al-Awsat