Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty asserted the urgent need to maintain stability of international maritime routes and enhance regional cooperation among Red Sea littoral states to ensure the security of the Red Sea and safeguard freedom of international navigation.

He made the remarks during a meeting with EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber on the sidelines of the Oslo Forum.

Abdelatty stressed that any threat to Red Sea security would directly cast its shadow on the global economy, particularly amid growing regional challenges.

He reviewed Egypt's vision on the conditions in the Horn of Africa and stood on Weber's standpoint concerning the Sudanese crisis.

He highlighted Cairo’s efforts to settle the Sudanese crisis as soon as possible, stressing the importance of stemming bloodshed, alleviating the suffering of civilians and maintaining Sudan’s national unity.

Both sides exchanged views on the political and security challenges facing the Horn of Africa.

Abdelatty called for intensifying international and regional efforts to address security challenges facing regional countries, including terrorism and extremism.

The talks also tackled the political and security challenges facing Somalia and means of supporting peace and stability efforts in the African state.

For her part, Weber expressed strong appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting stability in the Horn of Africa, describing it as “indispensable.”

She underscored the EU’s interest in continued consultation and coordination with Egypt on regional issues in order to realize peace and security in the region.

MENA