Tripartite summit affirms support for Somalia
Sisi calls for enhanced cooperation to safeguard maritime security
Joint statement voices deep concern over ongoing conflict in Sudan
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi called for enhanced regional cooperation to tackle shared security and development challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
In a joint press conference in Asmara, Eritrea on Thursday, President Sisi, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stressed the importance of unity among the three countries to ensure peace, stability, and economic development in the region.
President Sisi highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to confront threats aimed at destabilising the region and undermining the progress in the Horn of Africa countries. He emphasised the strategic importance of the Red Sea, which serves as a vital global trade route, and underscored the necessity of securing international navigation, which has been disrupted by recent developments.
The Egyptian president called for enhanced institutional cooperation among Red Sea coastal states to safeguard the region’s maritime security and to maximise the use of the area’s abundant natural resources.
President Sisi also stressed the need for practical support for Somalia, particularly in helping its government and armed forces combat terrorism and protect the country’s sovereignty.
He praised Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s vision for restoring peace in Somalia and stated that Egypt is ready to provide bilateral support, contribute to international peacekeeping efforts, and assist in the rebuilding of Somali institutions.
The three leaders also discussed the ongoing crisis in Sudan, and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to protect national institutions.
President Sisi underscored the importance of closer economic and trade cooperation between Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. He also called for stronger ties in capacity-building and knowledge-sharing to help the three countries achieve sustainable development.
He concluded by thanking President Afwerki for his hospitality. He said he looks forward to maintaining the trilateral dialogue on a regular basis, reiterating Egypt’s commitment to supporting the region’s development.
Following their trilateral summit, the three leaders issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to regional stability, cooperation, and development.
The three leaders agreed on the importance of absolute respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of countries in the region. They firmly rejected any form of interference in the internal affairs of nations under any pretext.
The summit also saw a strong commitment to strengthening Somali state institutions. The leaders agreed to provide practical support to enable the Somali National Federal Army to confront terrorism and safeguard Somalia’s territorial integrity. They also welcomed Egypt’s offer to contribute forces to the African Union Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and praised the recent international efforts to enhance Somalia’s security, including the lifting of the arms embargo by UN Security Council Resolution 2714 (2023).
The three leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan and its regional repercussions. They emphasised the urgency of reaching a permanent ceasefire and preserving Sudan’s national institutions to prevent further destabilisation.
Given the vital importance of the Red Sea for international trade, the summit also addressed the negative impact of the disrupted maritime routes. The leaders called for greater institutional coordination among Red Sea coastal states to enhance maritime security and ensure smooth flow of global commerce.
The joint statement also stressed the need to strengthen trade and investment ties among Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in capacity-building and the exchange of expertise to help achieve economic growth and development in their countries.
The three leaders announced the establishment of a joint tripartite committee, comprising the foreign ministers of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia, to enhance cooperation across various fields. The committee will also work on strategic regional and international issues of mutual concern.
In their final remarks, the three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing dialogue and consultation on a regular basis to advance regional stability, promote peace, and support sustainable development. They said that their cooperation would contribute to the broader security of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, benefiting their peoples and the region as a whole.
