Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Egyptian FM Meets Eritrean President

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional issues. The discussions followed President El-Sisi’s visit to Eritrea, focusing on cooperation between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. Key topics included support for Somalia against terrorism and the situation in Sudan, Libya, and the Red Sea.

On Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to convey a verbal message from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The focus of their discussion revolved around bolstering bilateral relations and addressing regional challenges that both countries face.

During the meeting, the two leaders explored the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in various sectors and examined areas of mutual interest. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that this visit to Asmara follows President El-Sisi’s trip to Eritrea in October 2024, aimed at revitalizing the tripartite coordination mechanism involving Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia.

The initial ministerial meeting of this mechanism took place in Cairo in January, and preparations are underway for its next gathering. Khallaf highlighted that the discussions also focused on the ongoing relationship between Egypt and Eritrea, as well as strategies to strengthen joint cooperation on pressing regional issues, particularly in Africa.

Primary topics included support for Somalia in its fight against terrorism and the potential restoration of its territorial sovereignty. Additionally, the situation in Sudan was discussed, emphasizing the necessity of supporting national institutions while maintaining the country’s integrity and unity.

The dialogue further encompassed issues affecting Libya, the Sahel region, and developments in the Red Sea, where Egypt reaffirmed its opposition to the involvement of non-littoral states in the security and governance of the area. President Afwerki expressed his regards to President El-Sisi, expressing a commitment to deepening relations between the two nations, which reflects the historical ties between Egypt and Eritrea.

In summary, the meeting between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki underscored the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional security challenges. Both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation on shared interests, particularly concerning Somalia, Sudan, and broader regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com