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The Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty and his Eritrean counterpart, Osman Saleh, have reiterated their commitment to supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. This stance is seen as crucial for maintaining security and stability in the Horn of Africa. The reaffirmation came during a phone conversation addressing cooperation in political, economic, and commercial areas, alongside consultations on regional issues.
The discussions align with ongoing trilateral coordination between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, emphasizing mutual interests in fostering peace and development in the region. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the conversation as part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral and regional ties.
Rejecting Foreign Interference
Both Egypt and Eritrea have consistently rejected foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. They have underscored their unified stance in supporting Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which they consider essential for the nation’s development and the stability of the Horn of Africa.
This commitment builds on an August 2024 military cooperation protocol signed between Egypt and Somalia, which strengthens defense and security collaboration. Additionally, during a summit in October, the leaders of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia agreed on the need for cooperation among coastal states to ensure maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vital international trade routes.
Regional Cooperation and Economic Development
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have emphasized the potential for economic growth in their regions. In an October press conference, President El-Sisi highlighted the Red Sea’s rich resources and strategic importance:
“Our three countries, our region, and our shores at the southern and northern entrances of the Red Sea are rich in resources and offer promising opportunities for development and growth.”
The Egyptian government has also sought to deepen bilateral relations with Eritrea. Eritrean President Afwerki’s recent visit to Egypt saw discussions on enhancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and regional security, reflecting a new phase of collaboration between the two nations.
Strategic Importance of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb
The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait remain critical to international trade, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean. Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia have pledged to work together to safeguard these maritime routes from security threats, ensuring the safe passage of goods and fostering regional stability.
A Commitment to Unity and Development
Egypt and Eritrea’s continued support for Somalia underscores their dedication to fostering unity and development in the Horn of Africa. By rejecting external interference and promoting sovereignty, the nations aim to build a more stable and prosperous region.