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Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region. The foreign ministers of the three nations issued a joint statement on Saturday following a meeting of the trilateral ministerial committee, highlighting the importance of continued cooperation in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and maritime security efforts.
The meeting followed the outcomes of a high-level summit held in Asmara in October 2024, where the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia agreed to deepen diplomatic and security relations. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration between Cairo and Mogadishu in supporting peacekeeping operations within Somalia. He praised Egypt’s active role in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which has played a crucial role in maintaining security and combating insurgencies within the region.
The discussions also centered around strategies for safeguarding the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, regions of critical geopolitical importance due to their proximity to key global shipping routes. The three countries reiterated their stance on the necessity of regional cooperation to prevent external interference and ensure regional countries maintain control over their maritime security. This emphasis reflects growing concerns over foreign influence in the region’s strategic waterways.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to exploring measures for supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism and efforts to secure both its land and sea borders. The foreign ministers underscored the importance of intelligence sharing, coordinated military efforts, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering Somali security forces to handle internal threats effectively.
The diplomatic dialogue extended beyond Somalia, with discussions touching on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The ministers expressed mutual concern over the instability in Sudan and highlighted the need for a unified African approach to conflict resolution and humanitarian support in the region.
Minister Abdelatty also used the platform to express gratitude for the backing Egypt has received from both Somalia and Eritrea in its international diplomatic endeavors. Specifically, he praised their support for Egypt’s candidate Khaled Anani in his bid for the top UNESCO position, showcasing the strength of their trilateral partnership on the global diplomatic stage.
This renewed collaboration aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in African security and diplomatic affairs. Cairo has consistently advocated for African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges and has played a proactive role in regional peacekeeping missions.
Eritrea’s participation in the talks also highlights the evolving diplomatic landscape in the Horn of Africa. Historically marked by isolationist policies, Eritrea’s increasing involvement in regional diplomacy suggests a shift towards greater regional integration and cooperation.
Somalia, which has faced persistent security challenges due to ongoing insurgencies, welcomed the continued support from its partners. Somali officials emphasized the importance of regional backing in achieving long-term stability and expressed optimism about the outcomes of the trilateral committee’s discussions.
The successful outcome of the Cairo meeting underscores the growing importance of regional coalitions in addressing complex security challenges. By combining diplomatic efforts with coordinated security strategies, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are taking proactive steps towards ensuring long-term peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.