Egypt, Eritrea: Red Sea security 'exclusive' to littoral states
Egyptian and Eritrean foreign ministers affirmed on Saturday that Red Sea security remains the exclusive responsibility of littoral states, rejecting attempts by non-coastal nations to impose security arrangements amid regional tensions over maritime access.
Exclusive littoral authority
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Eritrean counterpart Osman Saleh in Asmara on Saturday, where they stated that Red Sea security and management fall solely under the jurisdiction of coastal nations. The ministers rejected any attempts by non-littoral parties to impose security arrangements in the region, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Ethiopia tensions
The declaration comes amid Cairo's ongoing opposition to Ethiopia's attempts to secure Red Sea access, including a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that triggered regional concerns. Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia established a joint cooperation committee in October 2024 to coordinate their stance against Addis Ababa's maritime ambitions, which coincide with long-running disputes between Cairo and Ethiopia over Nile River waters.
Economic cooperation
Abdelatty and Saleh participated in the Egyptian-Eritrean Business Forum alongside Eritrean presidential economic advisor Hagos Gebrehiwet, where they discussed joint investment opportunities and development projects. Hagos expressed Asmara's readiness to benefit from Egyptian expertise in development initiatives, while Abdelatty noted President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's emphasis on strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
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