Chairman  

 

The Egyptian stance towards the African horn is based on Egypt's regional role in the African continent as a vital field for the Egyptian foreign policy and in light of the geo-strategic location of Somalia in the African horn which represents a strategic depth for Egypt's national security.

 

The Egyptian action on the political level in the Somali crisis depends on many principles topped by supporting the comprehensive reconciliation among all parties of conflict, rejecting the use of weapons for reaching a solution, shouldering the Somali leaders responsibility of realizing the reconciliation, dealing with all parties on equal footing in addition to supporting the unity of Somali land and people and non-recognition of any separatist attempts.

 

The Egyptian concern in the Somali question is based on the following specifications:

Egypt, as a pivotal state in the African continent, can not ignore events in Somalia in spite of the long-distance between the two countries.

 

The strategic importance of the African horn region in general and the distinguished location of Somalia. The African horn is one of major strategic gates of Africa.

 

Somali affiliation to Africa comes within the framework of the Egyptian concern in the issues and problems of the African continent.

 

In addition to its African affiliation, Somalia is one of the Arab League countries.

 

Regional and international attention paid to the Somali crisis.

 

No doubt, the failure in the settlement of Somali crisis as well as attempts of foreign parties to damage the Somali wealth has participated in increasing the Egyptian concern in the Somali issue.

 

* Egypt pays attention to the Somali developments as a part of its keenness on spreading culture of peace and violence renunciation in solving the African conflicts and issues, the matter realizing positive results for the interest of all peoples in the African continent.