Friday June 13, 2025
Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty and European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber discussed pressing regional developments on Thursday, including the ongoing crisis in war-ravaged Sudan, security challenges in Somalia, and navigation in the Red Sea.
This came during a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the annual Oslo Forum in Norway.
During the meeting, FM Abdelatty underscored the need to protect Sudanese civilians, mitigate their suffering, and safeguard Sudan's national resources and unity.
He also outlined Egypt's significant diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis swiftly and its readiness to participate in all mediation and settlement initiatives, according to a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Moreover, the two sides exchanged views on the Horn of Africa's broader political and security landscape.
Minister Abdelatty called for intensified international and regional cooperation to counter security threats, including terrorism and extremism.
He underlined Somalia's primary security and political challenges, highlighting ways to bolster peace and stability by supporting state institutions and preserving its sovereignty and unity.
Discussions also covered the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with both sides emphasizing the necessity of sustainable funding for the mission.
With Egypt’s participation, the AUSSOM has been deployed in Somalia since January.
Furthermore, Egypt's top diplomat stressed the importance of maintaining the stability of international shipping lanes and enhancing regional cooperation among Red Sea littoral states.
He said such cooperation is vital to ensuring the security of the Red Sea and freedom of international navigation.
Abdelatty also warned that any threat to Red Sea security would directly impact the global economy, particularly given escalating regional challenges.
For her part, Weber praised Egypt’s pivotal and active role in supporting stability in the Horn of Africa.
She also affirmed the EU's desire to continue consultation with Egypt on regional issues to foster regional security and stability.