Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptians Abroad, Badr Abdel-Aati, affirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Eritrea, expanding economic and trade cooperation across key sectors, and enhancing co-ordination on regional developments of mutual concern.
He emphasised Egypt’s full support for Eritrea’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and stressed the importance of building on the current momentum in relations to serve the interests of both peoples.
Abdel-Aati’s remarks were made during a meeting with his Eritrean counterpart, Osman Saleh, on Saturday in Asmara, where both sides discussed ways to deepen strategic cooperation and align positions on regional issues of shared interest.
The two ministers underscored the deep historical ties between Egypt and Eritrea and expressed satisfaction with the level of ongoing co-ordination and convergence of views.
Minister Abdel-Aati reiterated Cairo’s intention to further expand co-operation in priority areas, including transport, mining, pharmaceuticals, fisheries, and infrastructure, while encouraging increased trade flows, joint investment, and greater participation of the Egyptian private sector in the Eritrean market.
On regional matters, both sides reaffirmed that security and management of the Red Sea remain the exclusive responsibility of littoral states, rejecting any external interference in its governance.
They also exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa, where Minister Abdel-Aati outlined Egypt’s position on Sudan and Somalia, stressing the importance of preserving regional stability as an integral part of Egypt’s national security and supporting national state institutions while safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Maritime transport deal
In the presence of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Egypt’s Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir—alongside Minister Abdel-Aati and a delegation of senior Egyptian business leaders—witnessed the signing of a maritime transport cooperation agreement between the two nations.
The agreement represents a major step toward strengthening logistics connectivity. It aims to enhance maritime cooperation, support trade and investment flows, and expand economic development, reflecting a shared commitment to elevate bilateral relations and capitalise on both countries’ strategic positions on the Red Sea.
