Egypt, Somalia, Djibouti Hold Talks on Red Sea Security, Horn of Africa Stability

TRIPOLI, Libya — The foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia and Djibouti discussed Red Sea security, regional stability and economic cooperation during separate meetings on the sidelines of a regional summit in Libya.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and Djibouti's Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar in Tripoli during the 22nd session of the Executive Council of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, Egypt's State Information Service said.

Talks between Abdelatty and his Somali counterpart focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic and development cooperation, and coordinating positions on political and security developments in the Horn of Africa.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, opposing unilateral measures that could undermine the country's internationally recognized borders.

He also said countries bordering the Red Sea should bear responsibility for its security and management.

The position follows an Oct. 4 joint declaration by the leaders of Egypt, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan in the Egyptian city of El Alamein. The four countries said Red Sea littoral states should lead efforts to manage security in the strategic waterway while ensuring freedom of navigation.

The discussions come as landlocked Ethiopia seeks access to the sea and a greater role in regional security arrangements. Addis Ababa has argued that its reliance on Red Sea shipping routes gives it a direct interest in the waterway's security.

Ethiopia's pursuit of maritime access has become a source of tension in the Horn of Africa, particularly over port access and regional security arrangements.

In a separate meeting, Abdelatty and his Djiboutian counterpart discussed cooperation in trade, investment, energy, ports, logistics and infrastructure.

The two ministers also reviewed developments in Sudan and Somalia and efforts to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

No new military agreement or joint action targeting Ethiopia was announced following the meetings. The ministers agreed to continue diplomatic consultations and cooperation on regional security issues.

GAROWE ONLINE