Asmara: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir met with Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki, where they discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties and exchanged views on developments in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty conveyed President Sisi's greetings to the Eritrean president, emphasizing the historic relations between Egypt and Eritrea. He reaffirmed Egypt's support for Eritrea in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also expressing Cairo's interest in advancing economic and trade cooperation across various sectors.

The foreign minister noted that the visiting Egyptian delegation included businessmen and private-sector representatives to enhance partnerships with Eritrea in key sectors such as mining, transport, pharmaceuticals, and fisheries. He highlighted the importance of supporting capacity-building and training programs for Eritrean professionals.

Abdelatty also addressed Red Sea security, asserting that its governance and security are the responsibility of riparian states, directly tied to their national security. He emphasized that Egypt supports Eritrea's vision on the Red Sea management, which focuses on the sovereignty and unity of coastal states.

The discussion also covered developments in the Horn of Africa, with Abdelatty outlining Egypt's stance on the situations in Sudan and Somalia, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and stability in the region as an extension of Egyptian national security.

Meanwhile, the transport minister highlighted Egypt's eagerness to enhance cooperation with Eritrea in transport, infrastructure, and logistics. He praised the signing of a maritime transport cooperation agreement and the launch of a cargo shipping line linking Egyptian and Eritrean ports via the Red Sea.

President Afwerki expressed his appreciation for Egypt's role in supporting stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He affirmed Eritrea's commitment to promoting coordination and cooperation with Egypt in political, economic, and security domains, aiming to benefit both countries and their peoples. Afwerki also expressed Eritrea's interest in expanding collaboration with Egypt across all areas.