Abdelatty to Eritrean counterpart: Egypt strongly supports African issues

CAIRO – 11 January 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty received Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea, in Cairo, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the both countries.

Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Abdelatty praised the strong ties between Egypt and Eritrea, highlighting the historic visit of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Asmara on October 10, 2024. 

Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s commitment to further strengthening existing frameworks of bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in all sectors.

He emphasized Egypt’s dedication to fostering a closer partnership with Eritrea, with a focus on mutual interests that benefit the peoples of both nations. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's strong support for African issues and its efforts to reinforce security and stability across the continent, which, in turn, contributes to greater African solidarity.

The meeting also addressed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various political, economic, and trade sectors. 

The two ministers discussed the importance of increasing joint efforts to support security and stability in the Horn of Africa, as well as coordinating on regional issues of mutual concern. Key topics included the situation in Somalia and Egypt’s continued support for the Somali government in preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

They also discussed the security of the Red Sea region, emphasizing that the safety of the Red Sea is fundamentally linked to the will and cooperation of its coastal states. Additionally, the ministers addressed the situation in Sudan and emphasized the importance of preserving Sudan's unity and sovereignty.

Both ministers agreed to continue consultation and coordination on regional and international matters, as well as to exchange support for candidates in regional and international positions. They also agreed to work on implementing joint initiatives that enhance bilateral cooperation to further the interests of both peoples.

The Egyptian Minister also met with his Somali counterpart Ahmed Maalim Faqi, in Cairo, on Saturday, discussing ways of Egypt’s support for the stability in Somalia.

Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s willingness to provide technical support and expertise to bolster Somalia’s capacity in addressing security challenges and reinforcing its national institutions.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister emphasized the deep historical ties between Egypt and Somalia, underscoring the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation and implementing joint programs aimed at strengthening relations and fulfilling the aspirations of both brotherly nations. 

The two ministers discussed the ongoing transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the new African Union Mission for Support and Stabilization in Somalia (AUSSOM). They emphasized the importance of expediting the launch and activation of the mission, as well as securing the necessary and sustainable funding for it. 

Both ministers stressed the Somali state's ownership of efforts to ensure security and stability, taking into account the challenges Somalia faces. 

They also highlighted the need to support the Somali National Army in its fight against terrorism and in stabilizing the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region to safeguard trade and navigation routes. In this context, they expressed appreciation for the ongoing visit by the Somali Minister of Defense to Cairo.

The ministers agreed to build on the positive momentum in bilateral relations and to continue coordinating efforts within the framework of the Joint Ministerial Committee. 

This committee will follow up on the outcomes of the Tripartite Summit held between Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea on October 10, 2024, and further the efforts of the three countries’ leaders to promote security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.