— Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday reaffirmed their “comprehensive and strategic partnership”, pledging to work together to preserve peace, security, territorial integrity and shared economic interests in the Horn of Africa.

The commitment came at a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa between senior Ethiopian officials and the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan Al Nahyan. In a joint ministerial statement, both sides emphasized their decades-long cooperation and mutual respect and reiterated their support for regional stability.

The statement condemned recent attacks on civilians in Sudan, called for urgent humanitarian assistance, and urged an inclusive, civilian-led transition of power. Delegates also discussed broader regional security concerns and global priorities, including Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 and the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, and explored cooperation on climate change and sustainable water solutions.

The reaffirmation comes as the Horn of Africa faces mounting geopolitical complexity. Reports indicate growing tensions among regional powers, with Saudi Arabia reportedly expressing concern over UAE policies in the area. Analysts say the disagreement between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi reflects a deeper regional power struggle, particularly over UAE involvement in Yemen and Sudan, which Saudi officials warn could pose direct security threats if instability spreads.

Egypt has aligned with Saudi Arabia on issues in Yemen and Sudan, further complicating regional dynamics and intensifying rivalry with the UAE. Cairo has stressed respect for national sovereignty and unity, naming Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and the Gaza Strip as areas requiring careful diplomatic handling. Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, notably over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, add another layer of complexity to the regional balance of power.

Against this backdrop, Ethiopian and Emirati officials framed their partnership as a strategic effort to manage both competition and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.

Other recent developments underscore the region’s growing international significance. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland — the first official recognition of the territory as an independent state — and the subsequent visit this week by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Hargeisa signal increased foreign engagement in the Horn and Red Sea region.

Separately, Foreign Policy magazine has warned that escalating diplomatic and military tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea rank among the “10 conflicts likely to arise and deserving attention” by 2026, cautioning that a confrontation between the two neighbors could risk plunging the Horn of Africa into a wider conflict.