Egypt has unequivocally declared its stance against any military activities by countries that are not part of the Red Sea region and any endeavors to establish a naval force around the sea. This declaration was made following discussions between a delegation led by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.

During the deliberations, both nations resolved to reinforce their bilateral relations across various regional domains, particularly in matters concerning the Red Sea. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati asserted, “The security of the Red Sea hinges exclusively on the interests of its neighboring countries; we categorically reject any military or naval presence in the area.” He further added, “The establishment of naval forces by landlocked countries in the vicinity of the Red Sea will gravely undermine the consensus reached to safeguard the region’s security.”

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, it was revealed that Abdelati and President Isaias engaged in a comprehensive exchange of ideas on shared continental issues. These discussions particularly focused on bolstering peace and security in the Horn of Africa, countering terrorism in Somalia, and affirming Somalia’s sovereignty over its territories.

The meeting also addressed the current state of affairs in Libya and the Sahel region, along with developments in the Red Sea, firmly opposing any involvement of non-Red Sea states in matters of security and governance.

Abdelati highlighted the importance of organizing subsequent ministerial meetings in Mogadishu and Asmara to lay the groundwork for the second presidential summit, following the inaugural summit held in Eritrea in October 2024.

In a communiqué released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea, it was disclosed that President Isaias Afwerki had engaged in extensive discussions with the Egyptian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati, on Feb-28,2025. The talks encompassed a broad range of regional issues.

The statement underscored that the discussions were centered on the challenges to peace and security in Sudan, Somalia, the Horn of Africa, as well as the Red Sea. Both Egypt and Eritrea reaffirmed their unwavering support for Mogadishu’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, denouncing any foreign intervention in Somalia.

Tensions in the Horn of Africa have been on the rise since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding to lease a 20-kilometer coastline from self-governed Somaliland for naval power and trade at the beginning of last year.

However, in January, Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to restore full diplomatic relations following an agreement brokered by Turkey in Ankara between Somali and Ethiopian leaders, marking an end to their diplomatic dispute. Subsequently, senior leaders from both countries convened in Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Recently, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made his inaugural official visit to Mogadishu after the agreement.