Egypt Vows to Protect Somalia's Coastline, Opposes Forced Red Sea Access

CAIRO - Egypt has vehemently pledged to protect Somalia’s coastline from external intrusion, arguing that the attempts by any country to forcibly access the Red Sea will be opposed for the sake of regional stability.

Egyptian Foreign Affairs minister Badr Abdelatty said that "the presence of any party other than coastal countries of the Red Sea is unacceptable". He said this when meeting Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Cairo.

Ethiopia has been fighting to get access to the Red Sea through the breakaway region of Somaliland but the quest has been met with resistance from Somalia. The two countries reconciled in Turkey but Somalia says Ethiopia is still obsessed with its territory.

But Fiqi notes that the Ankara talks helped to calm the situation which would have been worse. Fiqi noted these diplomatic efforts were "successful in curbing further violence in the region," preventing what he described as "a dangerous explosion that could have burned everyone's interests."

At Cairo, Fiqi also emphasized the need to respect Somalia’s "sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity." Technical discussions are underway to find the best solution to Ethiopia's quest, and indications show that Somalia could commercialize the access.

Both ministers concluded their Cairo meeting by signing a joint statement committing to elevate their nations' ties "to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership." Somalia recently signed a defense pact with Egypt for the protection of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

GAROWE ONLINE