Egypt has rejected the establishment of military presence by non-coastal states in the Red Sea, emphasizing its commitment to Somalia amid tensions with Ethiopia. Officials from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia have reiterated their support for Somalia’s stability and sovereignty.
In light of escalating tensions involving Ethiopia, Egypt has firmly rejected the stationing of military forces from non-coastal nations in the Red Sea. The Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister, Badr Abdelatty, emphasized the potential security risks such a presence would pose to the region. Egypt has reiterated its support for Somalia amidst ongoing disputes it faces with Ethiopia, particularly concerning Eritrea and Somaliland.
During a recent press conference in Cairo, attended by both Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s intentions to maintain its influence and safeguard regional stability. He underscored that Egypt stands committed to the integrity and sovereignty of Somalia.
Abdelatty asserted, “We reaffirm our commitment to Somalia’s stability, security, and territorial integrity, and we support the government in extending state control over its entire territory and combating terrorism,” showcasing Egypt’s strategic alliances amid regional tensions.
The Red Sea region has emerged as a critical geopolitical area, particularly concerning the interactions between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Ethiopia’s cooperation with self-declared Somaliland has caused alarm in Cairo, leading Egypt to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Somalia, historically an ally. By asserting its stance against the military presence of landlocked countries, Egypt seeks to maintain security and influence in the Horn of Africa, amidst significant challenges faced by Somalia.
In conclusion, Egypt’s decisive rejection of non-littoral military forces in the Red Sea aligns with its strategic goal of safeguarding regional stability and maintaining influence. The collaborative efforts with Somalia and Eritrea reflect Egypt’s commitment to regional sovereignty and support in the face of external pressures from Ethiopia. The upcoming trilateral summit signifies ongoing diplomatic engagements to address shared concerns.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
