Saturday March 1, 2025
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty meets with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara on February 2025- press photo
Mogadishu (HOL) — Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered a personal message from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki during a diplomatic visit to Asmara on Friday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced Saturday.
The visit comes as Egypt expands its diplomatic influence in the Horn of Africa, positioning Eritrea as a key partner in Cairo’s broader regional strategy. Abdelatty’s discussions with Afwerki centred on economic collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, and reinforcing Egypt’s security framework in the Red Sea and surrounding regions.
Abdelatty’s mission also sought to build momentum for the tripartite framework between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. The mechanism, first established during President Sisi’s visit to Asmara in October 2024, is designed to facilitate closer coordination on security and economic policies. A key focus of the latest talks was supporting Somalia in stabilizing its governance and countering militant threats.
Security in the Red Sea remained a critical issue, with Egypt and Eritrea reiterating their opposition to non-coastal states interfering in maritime security governance. The two leaders underscored the necessity of maintaining regional oversight over one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways.
Discussions also extended to Sudan’s ongoing crisis, where both nations emphasized the urgency of stabilizing the country and preserving its national institutions. With conflict threatening to spill into neighbouring states, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for diplomatic efforts to restore stability in Sudan.
Libya and the Sahel region were also on the agenda, with Abdelatty and Afwerki addressing cross-border security threats that continue to undermine regional stability. Both sides agreed on the importance of a coordinated African-led approach to managing the continent’s growing security challenges.
The visit follows the January 11, 2025, ministerial meeting in Cairo, where the foreign ministers of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia committed to bolstering regional security cooperation. As preparations begin for the next round of talks,
