CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo.

“We reviewed progress achieved in joint projects between Egypt and Somalia, and agreed on the importance of our joint action to strengthen economic development efforts in Somalia,” El-Sisi said during a joint press conference.

The two presidents held one-on-one talks before including delegations from both countries. El-Sisi emphasized the importance Egypt places on its longstanding ties with Somalia.

The discussions included ways to enhance bilateral relations and the latest regional developments of common interest, including the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Mahmoud raised domestic developments, including actions taken to re-establish security and stability in Somalia.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to helping Somalia overcome its problems, particularly the threat of terrorism and extremist ideology.

He also reaffirmed Egypt’s willingness to support Somalia in its efforts to develop and strengthen its state institutions.