Egypt says Red Sea security depends solely on littoral states’ will

CAIRO

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated on Saturday that the security of the Red Sea "depends solely on the will of its littoral states," rejecting any military or naval presence by non-littoral states.

This came during a press conference held in Cairo with his Somali counterpart Ahmed Madobe Nunow, and Eritrean counterpart Osman Saleh Mohammed, following a trilateral meeting, according to the AlQahera news channel.

Abdelatty noted that the meeting discussed holding similar ministerial gatherings in Mogadishu and Asmara and preparing for a second presidential summit soon following the first summit held in Eritrea in October 2024.

He emphasized support for the Somali government in extending its authority across the entire country, strengthening the Somali army, and rejecting unilateral actions that threaten the country’s unity.

The Egyptian foreign minister also confirmed Egypt’s participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, following approval from Mogadishu and the African Union. He did not provide further details on the mission, which is set to begin operations in early 2025.

"We discussed Red Sea security, which is solely tied to the will of its littoral states. It is completely unacceptable to allow any military or naval presence by non-littoral states," Abdelatty added.

In August 2024, Somali Ambassador to Cairo Ali Abdi Awari announced the arrival of Egyptian troops and equipment in Mogadishu in preparation for joining the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This was confirmed by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The new forces are expected to replace the current African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) this month.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Ankara