Egypt lends Somalia and the strategic Horn of Africa region much importance, said Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Mohamed Idris on Wednesday.

At a high-level meeting of partners on the future of Somalia, Idris, now visiting Mogadishu, added that Egypt is keen on taking part in the process of capacity building in Somalia in an attempt to help create a better future for the Somali people, according to a released statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

In light of Egypt's coming membership in the United Nations Security Council, Cairo will be the voice of Africa and a defender of its issues, he added.

Idris and Egyptian Ambassador to Somalia Walid Ismail, held talks during the visit with top Somali officials atop of whom came President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud along with the foreign and finance ministers and the army and police commanders, added the statement.

Sources: MENA