Egypt Urges Somalia to Secure Release of Kidnapped Sailors

CAIRO — Egypt on Sunday condemned Somaliland’s opening of a purported diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, calling it an illegal violation of international law, while reaffirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and urging Somali authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of eight kidnapped Egyptian sailors.

The remarks came during talks in Cairo between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali.

According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any unilateral measures that undermine the country’s unity. He described Somaliland’s purported mission in Jerusalem as an “illegal and unacceptable step” that violates international law and relevant international resolutions.

Abdelatty also called on Somali authorities to continue efforts to secure the safe release of eight Egyptian sailors held by suspected Somali pirates, stressing the need to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible.

The ministers discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in security, trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and investment, with Abdelatty reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s state-building efforts and counterterrorism capabilities.

He also urged the international community to provide sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

Ali thanked Egypt for its continued political, security and development support, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to close coordination with Cairo on issues of mutual interest.

The eight Egyptians are among the 22 crew members of the Togolese-flagged tanker MT Eureka, which was hijacked by suspected Somali pirates on May 2 after departing Yemeni waters and taken toward Somalia’s Puntland region. Negotiations for the crew’s release remain ongoing after mediators reportedly reached a tentative ransom agreement.

GAROWE ONLINE