Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has firmly stated that the governance of the Red Sea should remain the sole responsibility of the littoral states, dismissing any alterations to this framework and denying military access to non-littoral nations.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty expressed these views during a press conference with Cheikh Niang, Senegal's Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad, following their discussions in Cairo. This meeting precedes the upcoming African Union Summit and covered various topics including the Horn of Africa, Middle Eastern affairs, and African security and development challenges, particularly concerning Gaza, Sudan, counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, and water security.

Abdelatty highlighted that the Palestinian cause remains a primary concern for Arabs and Muslims. He emphasized backing efforts to implement US President Donald Trump's peace plan and the necessity to promptly complete the second phase, ensuring all commitments are met and the ceasefire in Gaza is reinforced as per the Sharm El-Sheikh summit agreement.

Addressing Sudan, Abdelatty underscored the importance of upholding Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, rejecting any parallel entities or governments. He declared Egypt's disapproval of equating Sudanese state institutions with militias and any attempts to detach regions from Sudan. Egypt is advocating for a humanitarian truce, potentially leading to a ceasefire and an inclusive political process, ultimately establishing a civilian government.

Abdelatty also reiterated Egypt's opposition to any actions undermining Somalia's unity and integrity, criticizing Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an illegal and illegitimate act that breaches international law and compromises regional security and stability.

Regarding water security, Abdelatty discussed the issue considering Africa's water scarcity, particularly in Egypt, which he described as experiencing water poverty. He updated Niang on Ethiopia's dam developments, urging a halt to unilateral actions on the Nile and advocating for transboundary rivers to be governed by international law, emphasizing no harm principles and prior notification.

Abdelatty expressed gratitude to Senegal for supporting Egypt, and to the UAE foreign minister for the Senegalese-Emirati consensus supporting Egypt's role in chairing the interactive dialogue on water at the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. He also congratulated Senegal on leading the ECOWAS Commission and co-chairing the 2026 conference with the UAE.

On bilateral cooperation, Abdelatty described Senegal as a strategic partner in West Africa and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to Senegal's five-year plan and "Vision 2050." He stated Egypt's readiness to assist Dakar with expertise in urban development, irrigation, and agro-industry, and to facilitate Egyptian medical supplies' access to the Senegalese market, establishing an "Egyptian medicine line" in Senegal.

The talks also explored enhancing maritime and air links, and cooperation in gas, mining, and fisheries, alongside agriculture and food-security initiatives, including a prospective project in the Senegal River Basin to cultivate strategic crops, aimed at strengthening economic ties.

Education and capacity building were also discussed. Abdelatty referenced efforts to establish French-language university departments in Egypt to attract Senegalese students, highlighting Egypt's competitive education services. He noted the upcoming opening of Senghor University in Alexandria as a significant step toward academic cooperation with Francophone African nations.

He also mentioned Al-Azhar's influence in teaching Arabic and promoting moderate Islam, and training programs provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding.

On West African and Sahel security, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's support for counterterrorism efforts, advocating a comprehensive approach integrating security and development, and commended Senegal's mediation efforts between the Sahel states and ECOWAS.

The ministers agreed to maintain positive momentum in relations, enhance political coordination, support nominations for international positions, and align stances on regional and international issues. The discussions concluded with signing a memorandum of understanding between Egypt's Diplomatic Studies Institute and Senegal's National School of Administration for expertise exchange and training cooperation.