File Photo/Somali Times
A joint political statement issued by the heads of the governments of Egypt and Somalia in Asmara, Eritrea expressed their support for strengthening the unity, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
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While the Federal Government has officially welcomed the proposal that the Egyptian army should be part of the new operation of the African Union in Somalia.
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The two governments agreed to reject anything that threatens the unity and independence of their nation.
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President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Abdifitah Al-Sisi called for the promotion and strengthening of cooperation between the governments of Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia in empowering Somali government agencies to deal with the internal and external challenges it is facing.
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The most important tasks are to strengthen the Somali national forces, to fight against terrorism, to defend the land and sea borders, and to protect the unity of the country.
The two Presidents also welcomed the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia last year.
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They also covered the meeting of the peace and security council of the African Union which decided on the new operation in Somalia AUSSOM.
The purpose of the operation is to support the stability of Somalia, in view of the opposition to the government of Somalia, Egyptian forces are planning to operate in Somalia for the first time.
Both sides also welcomed Egypt’s request that its forces be part of the new AUSSOM operation.
This mission replaces the current ATMIS mission, and it is planned to end and start the new one early next year in 2025.