Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Annette Weber, the European Union’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, on Tuesday, to discuss strategies for bolstering security and stability in the region. The meeting highlighted the importance of continued consultation and coordination between Egypt and the EU on matters affecting the Horn of Africa.
During the meeting, Abdelatty emphasised the significance of the partnership between Egypt and the European Union in achieving lasting security and stability in the Horn of Africa. He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to promoting peaceful solutions and resolving regional conflicts through sustained dialogue and joint cooperation.
“Egypt places a strategic prioritisation on strengthened relations with countries in the region, viewing these relationships as a cornerstone of both regional and continental security,” Abdelatty stated.
Abdelatty also noted the necessity of intensifying international and regional efforts to address the multifaceted security challenges confronting the region, including combating terrorism and extremism. He detailed Egypt’s efforts to foster stability in the Horn of Africa, which include diplomatic mediation initiatives aimed at resolving regional disputes.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, Abdelatty welcomed Weber’s recent visit to Port Sudan and sought her insights on the evolving situation. He reiterated the importance of respecting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as safeguarding the Sudanese state, its resources, and its institutions.
Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s support for international and regional initiatives designed to end the conflict and achieve a comprehensive political resolution. He highlighted Egypt’s coordination efforts with international stakeholders and representatives of Sudanese political factions to support conflict resolution, a ceasefire, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The discussions also encompassed a broad exchange of views on other security and political issues facing the Horn of Africa. Abdelatty considered Weber’s assessment of the regional landscape and emphasised the importance of supporting Somalia’s stability and respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reiterated Egypt’s dedication to supporting Somali state institutions.
The Foreign Minister addressed escalating security challenges in the Red Sea. He noted that these challenges necessitate enhanced regional cooperation among the nations bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to safeguard the stability of international shipping lanes.
Abdelatty asserted that the security of the Red Sea and the assurance of freedom of international navigation are strategic priorities for Egypt. He emphasised that any threat to Red Sea security directly impacts the global economy, especially given the increasing challenges facing the region.
Weber expressed the EU’s appreciation for Egypt’s proactive role in addressing African issues, noting the EU’s emphasis on Red Sea security and the stability of the Horn of Africa region. She affirmed her anticipation of strengthened cooperation with Egypt in international efforts to support stability in the Horn of Africa. She also underscored Egypt’s key role as a pillar of regional security and the achievement of lasting stability.
