CAIRO, Jan 23 (MENA) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asserted Egypt and Somalia share deep and strong relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

Such bonds serve as a cornerstone of cooperation and a ray of hope for both the Egyptian and Somali nations, added Mohamud at a joint press conference with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace on Thursday.

The Somali president voiced his appreciation for the Egyptian people.

"Today's discussions are asserting our commitment to achieving stability and developing cooperation between both countries," he said.

He added that the agreements which were signed today are not new frameworks, for they are meant to renew the already existing foundations for cooperation to ensure a stronger collaboration in decades to come and to address challenges of the 21st century.

He praised the strengthened joint cooperation, especially in security, diplomacy and economic development.

"This partnership and strategic agreement will serve the interests of our nations and the world as well. However, it is not intended to undermine the sovereignty and interests of other countries. It simply aims to promote our own interests."

The Somali leader emphasized that the elevation of Egypt-Somalia relations to the strategic partnership level is considered an important outcome of the meeting in Cairo today.

This pivotal deal is offering all mechanisms to ensure the strategic partnership between the two countries has been developed and is implemented as planned, he said.

Mohamud pointed out that having a direct air route between Egypt and Mogadishu will mainly contribute to enhancing joint cooperation.

The president said the important agreement signed at Ittihadiya Palace this afternoon reflects the utmost keenness of the two countries on achieving development, with an emphasis on combating terrorism and boosting security.

The deal is deemed as a framework for building capabilities in alignment with regional peace and security efforts, according to him.

The leader underscored the importance of fruitful talks with President Sisi, which, he said, show the spirit of solidarity and aspirations of both brotherly peoples.

He voiced eagerness to crystallize and translate discussions and agreements to tangible outcomes in the near future.

He confirmed his commitment to strengthening ties between Egypt and Somalia in the years and decades to come.

In conclusion, the Somali president praised President Sisi for his understanding of the security situation Somalia, in addition to his great interest in supporting Somalia’s stability and wellbeing amid the current regional and global challenges.
(MENA)
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