Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on October 30th received his Eritrean counterpart, Isaias Afwerki, for talks on regional crises and strengthening of their two countries’ strategic partnership, the Egyptian Presidency said.
Their talks focused on the situations in war-torn Sudan and Somalia, as well as security in the Red Sea.
According to the presidential spokesperson, both leaders exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa. President Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s “steadfast commitment to Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and stressed “the importance of enhancing cooperation with Asmara to ensure Red Sea security and freedom of navigation in this strategic zone.”
For his part, President Afwerki praised “Egypt’s role in fostering regional stability and development in East Africa,” welcoming “the expanding prospects for economic and security cooperation.” The two heads of state emphasised the need for closer Arab and African coordination to safeguard stability along the maritime corridor.
The situations in Sudan and Somalia were also central to the talks. Presidents Al-Sisi and Afwerki reiterated their “support for Sudan’s national institutions, particularly the Armed Forces,” and their rejection of “any attempts to create parallel entities.” President Al-Sisi recalled Egypt’s role within the Quartet Mechanism aimed at ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Regarding Somalia, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Asmara Tripartite Declaration signed in October 2024, which upholds the sovereignty, unity, and independence of Somalia and neighbouring states. They agreed to bolster Mogadishu’s institutional capacities to counter security threats.
President Afwerki’s visit to Cairo also coincided with the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. On this occasion, President Al-Sisi reaffirmed “the strength of the strategic ties between the two countries” and their shared determination to expand cooperation in the economic and investment sectors.
MK/te/lb/as/APA