Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to discuss regional security and cooperation. Both leaders reiterated their rejection of any foreign military or naval presence in the Red Sea, emphasizing that only littoral states should manage the region’s security.
Abdelatty’s visit to Eritrea was part of efforts to activate a tripartite coordination mechanism between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, which was established during an October 2024 summit in Asmara. The committee’s first meeting took place in Cairo in January, and preparations are underway for the second meeting in Eritrea.
During their discussions, the two sides exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Sudan, Libya, and the Sahel region. They also addressed Somalia’s fight against terrorism and ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland.
Additionally, Abdelatty delivered a verbal message from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to Afwerki, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations. Afwerki expressed Eritrea’s commitment to enhancing ties with Egypt to reflect their historical relationship and shared interests.