Egyptian ambassador meets with several Somali ministers

Somali security forces take position on May 24, 2014 in Mogadishu after Somalia's Shebab rebels launched a major attack on the national parliament, setting off a car bomb and penetrating the building with suicide commandos, police and witnesses said. Police said at least four attackers were killed, and AFP reporters at the scene also counted four dead security guards, adding that a number people had also been wounded. (AFP PHOTO ABDIFITAH HASNI NOR) — Somali security forces take position on May 24, 2014 in Mogadishu after Somalia’s Shebab rebels launched a major attack on the national parliament, setting off a car bomb and penetrating the building with suicide commandos, police and witnesses said.
(AFP PHOTO ABDIFITAH HASNI NOR)

Egypt’s Ambassador in Mogadishu has held talks with several Somali officials, in the framework of contributing to settling Somalia’s political and security crisis and strengthening bilateral ties.

Ambassador Mohamed Awf discussed security cooperation and combating terrorism with Somali Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir Mohamed. Awf discussed with other officials, the “possibility of Egypt providing training to Somali police”.

Somalia has suffered from conflict for decades, as rebel fighters and government forces continue to fight for control. Militant group Al-Shabab, one of the main fighters in the conflict, launched a deadly attack on Saturday. The suicide bombing targeted Somali parliament and left at least eight people dead, AFP reported.

Awf met with Somali Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Bur’I Mohamed Hamza, discussing regional issues and developments in Africa, a statement by Egypt’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

The two sides prepared for the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding to develop cooperation between both countries and to make use of Egyptian expertise in various sectors.

He also met with Minister of Youth and Sports Khaled Ali Omar, and they both visited the site where a youth centre will be built. The centre will be funded by the Egyptian Fund for Cooperation with Africa, the of its kind in Mogadishu.