UPDATED: Egypt, Djibouti leaders reject threats to Red Sea navigation security - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

23-04-2025

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Djiboutian counterpart Ismail Omar Guelleh firmly rejected on Wednesday any actions that threaten the safety and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, underscoring the need to uphold regional security principles.
According to the Egyptian presidency, both leaders' remarks came during a meeting in the capital, Djibouti, where they addressed the common challenges confronting both nations in the Red Sea region.
The Egyptian and Djiboutian presidents also agreed that the primary responsibility for governing and securing this key maritime trade route rests solely with the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden littoral states.
They stressed the need to activate the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, enabling it to fulfil its responsibilities in promoting coordination among Red Sea and Gulf of Aden littoral nations.
Somalia
The presidents also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly the situation in the Horn of Africa.
They stressed the importance of supporting all efforts to strengthen security and stability in Somalia and safeguard its unity and territorial integrity.
Both leaders welcomed initiatives to enhance Somali institutions and the federal government's capacities to address challenges and to empower the Somali army to assert nationwide control.
They strongly condemned the assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and underlined the necessity of supporting Somalia in its efforts to combat terrorism.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to contribute forces to the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Sudan
Addressing the Sudanese conflict, the leaders reiterated their firm rejection of any attempts to undermine Sudan's unity, sovereignty, or territorial integrity.
They also rejected attempts to form a parallel government, which they saw as deepening the crisis and hindering efforts to unite Sudanese political forces.
The two presidents stressed the importance of preserving Sudan's national institutions and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid across all Sudanese regions.
They called on all Sudanese factions to fully engage in a comprehensive political process that places national interests above all.
In addition, they stressed the importance of Sudan's return as an active member in the African Union, which they praised for promoting stability in Sudan and hosting relevant conferences.
The two leaders also expressed concern about the deteriorating political and security situation in South Sudan. They urged all parties to avoid escalation and resolve disputes through peaceful, diplomatic means to maintain regional security and stability.
Gaza and Syria
According to the Egyptian presidency, the two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza. They condemned the renewed Israeli aggression on Gaza as a blatant violation of the ceasefire deal and denounced Israel's decision to block humanitarian aid and close relief crossings.
They also called on Israel to end ceasefire violations, allow the entry of humanitarian aid, and return to negotiations to finalise the next phase of the ceasefire agreement.
Moreover, the two sides supported the outcomes of the Cairo extraordinary Arab summit, including the willingness to cooperate with US President Donald Trump and international partners to implement the Arab-Islamic plan for the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
They also reaffirmed the unified Arab position—widely backed by the international community—rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands as a violation of international law and a crime against humanity.
In addition, the Egyptian and Djiboutian leaders stressed that Israel, as an occupying power, must honour its commitments under international law and UN resolutions.
They reaffirmed the steadfast Arab position supporting the two-state solution and the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state along the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The two presidents also discussed the latest developments in Syria, expressing support for Syrian national institutions and overall stability.
They condemned all forms of violence that threaten the safety and well-being of the Syrian people, stressing the need for an inclusive transitional process that includes all segments of Syrian society.
On the other hand, the two leaders underscored bilateral coordination within regional and international organisations, particularly the Arab League, the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the United Nations.
In this respect, President Guelleh reaffirmed Djibouti's support for Egypt's candidate, Khaled El-Enany, who the Arab League and African Union have also endorsed, for the position of Director-General of UNESCO.
Similarly, during the meeting, President El-Sisi congratulated Djibouti's former Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, on his election as Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
This is President El-Sisi's second official visit to Djibouti.
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