Egypt Calls for Enhanced Security Efforts in Red Sea and Horn of Africa

Synopsis

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi emphasized the urgent need for intensified security measures in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa during a press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The focus is on fostering peace and stability, which are vital for global security.

Key Takeaways

Importance of peace in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.
Significant outcomes from the Asmara Summit.
Joint political declaration signed between Egypt and Somalia.
Commitment to counter-terrorism and economic collaboration.
Security of the Red Sea impacts global trade.

Cairo, Jan 23 (NationPress) Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi called on Thursday for more vigorous efforts to sustain peace and security in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the region's strategic significance for global stability.

Sisi made this statement at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud following their earlier discussions, as noted in a statement from the Egyptian Presidency.

"We concurred on the necessity to enhance efforts to uphold peace and security in this crucial area, which impacts global security," Sisi remarked, referring to the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

He pointed to the outcomes of the October 2024 Asmara Summit involving Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea, calling it a "notable advancement in relations and coordination among our nations," and emphasized the need to build on this summit by convening a second trilateral meeting "to strengthen this partnership."

Cairo previously hosted the inaugural meeting of a new trilateral committee with Somalia and Eritrea to monitor developments from the October summit involving the leaders of the three nations.

Sisi reiterated Egypt's dedication to supporting Somalia, describing it as "a vital foundation for the stability of the Horn of Africa."

As per the statement, both presidents signed a joint political declaration aimed at elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Several memoranda of understanding were also formalized between the two nations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The Somalia Presidency has yet to release a statement regarding the meeting, but it mentioned on Wednesday that during Hassan's official visit to Egypt, he would engage with Sisi on bolstering joint counter-terrorism initiatives, enhancing economic and development collaboration, and advancing efforts on regional peace and security, among other subjects.

The security of the Red Sea is essential for maintaining uninterrupted global trade through the Suez Canal, which serves as a critical economic lifeline for Egypt, particularly in light of revenue declines attributed to regional instability.