In a joint statement following their summit meeting where they held extensive consultations on key regional and international issues, the three leaders agreed to establish a trilateral joint committee comprising the foreign ministers of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia to enhance strategic cooperation in all areas.
The leaders welcomed the efforts made by Eritrea and Egypt to support stability in Somalia and strengthen the capabilities of its federal government.
They also praised Egypt’s offer to contribute forces to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.
The leaders also reaffirmed the need to adhere to the fundamental principles of international law, which are indispensable for regional stability and cooperation.
They underscored the absolute respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of countries in the region and the rejection of any interference in their internal affairs under any pretext.
According to the joint statement, the summit highlighted the importance of deepening and enhancing cooperation and coordination among the three countries to strengthen the capabilities of Somalia's state institutions in addressing various internal and external challenges.
This includes empowering Somalia's national federal army to combat terrorism in all its forms, protect its land and maritime borders, and safeguard its territorial integrity.
Red Sea security
The summit also reached a consensus on several key issues, including the crisis in Sudan and its regional ramifications and the situation in Somalia considering recent regional developments.
The three leaders also agreed on the security and cooperation among the coastal states of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, underscoring its critical importance as a vital maritime corridor.
'All forms of support'
“Our meeting today not only demonstrates the strength and distinction of the relations between our three brotherly nations but also reflects the growing importance of developing and enhancing these deep-rooted ties,” El-Sisi said in his speech at the press conference according to a transcript provided by the presidency spokesman.
He added that this spirit was crucial to facing common challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
“We gathered as guests of His Excellency and dear brother, President Isaias Afwerki, to consult and exchange views on ways to confront plots and movements aimed at de-stabilizing and fragmenting the countries of the region and undermining the diligent efforts of our nations and people, who are eager for peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.
“Our three countries, our region, and our shores at the southern and northern entrances of the Red Sea are rich in resources and offer promising opportunities for development and growth,” he noted.
“During our discussions today, we agreed to provide all forms of support to our brotherly nation, Somalia, in line with the vision of His Excellency and dear brother, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to restore security and stability in Somalia through its national army,” El-Sisi concluded.
First visit
El-Sisi arrived in the Eritrean capital Asmara on Thursday in his first official visit.
He discussed bilateral relations and regional developments with the Eritrean president, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
Later, Somali President Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Asmara and joined El-Sisi and Afwerki in a summit meeting
Eritrea's President Afwerki has also made multiple official visits to Egypt, with his most recent visit in February when he met with President El-Sisi.
Furthermore, Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs Osman Saleh met with El-Sisi in New Alamein City in August to discuss the threats in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Earlier on Thursday, El-Sisi arrived in the Eritrean capital Asmara in response to an invitation from Eritrea's President Afwerki.
He discussed bilateral relations and regional developments with the Eritrean president, according to the Egyptian Presidency.
Later, Somali President Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Asmara and joined El-Sisi and Afwerki in a summit meeting
Eritrea's President Afwerki has also made multiple official visits to Egypt, with his most recent visit in February when he met with President El-Sisi.
Furthermore, Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs Osman Saleh met with El-Sisi in New Alamein City in August to discuss the threats in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
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