Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdel Atty emphasized on Tuesday Egypt's keenness to strengthen relations with the Horn of Africa countries.
In a meeting in Cairo with the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, Abdel Atty stressed the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa countries to Egypt's national security.
Abdel Atty started on Friday his first foreign tours with a trip to Somalia and Djibouti to mark the first direct flights between Egypt and the two Horn of Africa nations.
He told Weber that the trip “reflects the depth and importance of Egypt’s relations with the two countries,” read a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry.
Both sides also discussed various security and political issues and challenges in the Horn of Africa, where Abdel Atty listened to the EU official's assessment of the region's recurring challenges, crises, and the growing threats of terrorism and extremism.
He underscored the importance of supporting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud government in achieving stability, development, and combating terrorism, according to the statement.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
