CAIRO, Feb 16 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty affirmed that governance of the Red Sea should be limited to the littoral states only, stressing Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts by external parties to impose themselves as partners in Red Sea governance.
This came during the meeting held by the Foreign Minister with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, on the sidelines of the African Union Summit.
Minister Abdelatty emphasized that work is underway to activate the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to contribute to strengthening cooperation among member states, achieving sustainable development, and consolidating security and stability in the region.
The minister praised the level of cooperation and coordination between Egypt and the African Union Commission, affirming Egypt’s support for the AU’s efforts to resolve conflicts and implement Agenda 2063.
He also noted Egypt’s keenness to enhance the representation of Egyptian expertise within the African Union Commission, in a way that contributes to strengthening the AU’s role and supporting the system of joint African action.
The Foreign Minister stressed that water is a fundamental human right—primarily a humanitarian and social right—underscoring that access to drinking water is indispensable.
He affirmed that the adoption of Africa’s Water Vision and Policy 2063 at the level of the African Heads of State and Government Summit represents a step forward in safeguarding the right to water. The vision emphasized the need to adhere to international law, including the principles of consensus, cooperation, and no harm, particularly with regard to projects on shared and transboundary rivers.
Regarding developments in Sudan, the Foreign Minister reviewed the core principles of Egypt’s position supporting Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and the preservation of its national institutions, rejecting any attempts to divide the country or undermine its sovereignty.
He stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive ceasefire and launching an effective humanitarian track to ensure unimpeded access to aid. He also underscored the need to reassess the African Union’s approach to the Sudanese crisis based on the principle of “African solutions to African problems,” expressing Egypt’s aspiration for Sudan’s membership in the African Union to be reinstated.
The Foreign Minister further affirmed support for international efforts aimed at enabling the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to carry out its tasks efficiently by mobilizing adequate and sustainable funding for the mission, especially in light of the imminent deployment of Egyptian forces within it. He stressed the importance of continuing to support Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and rejecting the establishment of parallel entities outside internationally recognized legal frameworks.
For his part, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission requested that his greetings and appreciation be conveyed to the President of the Republic, praising his role in promoting security, stability, and development in Africa.
He also commended Egypt’s active presidency of the Peace and Security Council, its continuous support for AU programs and initiatives, its efforts to establish stability and security and resolve conflicts across the continent, and Egypt’s leadership in post-conflict reconstruction and development. He expressed his aspiration to continue close coordination in a manner that enhances efforts toward peace, security, and development across the African continent. (MENA)
