Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stressed the need to expedite efforts to close the funding gap facing the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate in combating terrorism, enhancing security in the Red Sea corridor, and disrupting links between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister made the remarks during his meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025, with UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.

Abdelatty expressed Egypt's keenness to work closely with the UN envoy and his team to promote security and stability across the Horn of Africa, stressing the importance of continued support to Somalia in combating terrorism, building state institutions, and extending government control nationwide.

He highlighted ongoing preparations for the deployment of Egyptian forces within AUSSOM, reflecting Egypt's commitment to counterterrorism, stability, and sustainable development efforts in the region.

On regional developments, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of destabilizing policies in the Horn of Africa and support for regional and international efforts to reduce tensions and achieve stability.

He emphasized the strong link between Egypt's national security and developments in Sudan, reiterating Egypt's full support for stability, national institutions, and the political process there. He also underscored the importance of supporting the 'Government of Hope' led by Kamal Idris, rejecting any parallel formations as threats to Sudan's unity and sovereignty.

Abdelatty urged the international community to honor its humanitarian and financial pledges to Sudan, enhance reconstruction cooperation, and uphold the principle of burden- and responsibility-sharing with neighboring countries.