Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia Leaders Issue Joint Communiqué…

Leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia met in Asmara for a Tripartite Summit addressing regional security and cooperation. They issued a joint communiqué affirming their commitment to international law, shared sovereignty, and support for Somalia’s stability. The leaders emphasized enhancing Somali state institutions and combating terrorism, while Egypt pledged troop support for the AU mission in Somalia. A tripartite commission was established for ongoing strategic collaboration.

Leaders from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia convened in Asmara on Thursday for a Tripartite Summit focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional security issues. The summit culminated in a joint communiqué highlighting critical areas for collaboration and shared aspirations among the nations. According to the communiqué, the leaders emphasized the necessity to adhere to international law, asserting it as the bedrock for establishing stable relations between states. They underscored the importance of absolute respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, opposing any external interference in their internal matters, and pledged to support collective efforts promoting regional peace, countering terrorism, and fostering sustainable development. The commitment to advancing stability in Somalia was a central theme of the discussions. The leaders recognized the imperative to strengthen Somali state institutions and bolster the Somali National Army’s capability in addressing both internal and external threats, particularly in combating terrorism. The communiqué stated, “The leaders agreed to develop and deepen cooperation and coordination among the three countries to enhance the capacity of Somali state institutions to address various internal and external challenges.” The summit deliberated on various regional cooperation issues, including the crisis in Sudan, the prevailing situation in Somalia, and security dynamics in the Red Sea region. The leaders reached an accord to establish mechanisms for diplomatic collaboration and collective action. In a gesture of solidarity, Egypt offered to contribute troops to the forthcoming African Union Mission to Support Stability in Somalia (AUSSOM) as part of its commitment to Somali stability. Furthermore, a joint tripartite commission consisting of the foreign ministers from Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia was established to oversee strategic cooperation across various domains. During a joint press conference, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi accentuated the significance of the summit, framing it as a testament to the profound relationship among the three nations. He articulated, “Our meeting today is not only a testament to the strong and distinguished relations… but it also reflects the growing importance of developing and strengthening these historic ties.” President Al-Sisi reiterated the need for enhanced cooperation to counter destabilizing elements in the region and affirmed, “We have gathered today to consult and benefit from exchanging perspectives on ways to counter schemes and actions aimed at destabilizing the region.” He also reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s security and addressing the unfolding crisis in Sudan. He concluded by emphasizing the critical nature of addressing the ongoing situation affecting international navigation in the Red Sea and the importance of cooperative efforts among littoral states to secure maritime routes while simultaneously maximizing resource benefits in the region.

This joint communiqué and summit represent a pivotal moment for the Horn of Africa, as leaders seek to solidify relations among neighboring countries amidst ongoing security challenges and political instability in the region. The collaborative approach highlighted at the summit indicates a collective acknowledgment of shared threats and a unified strategy towards achieving regional security, particularly focusing on Somalia’s internal stability and combating terrorism. The involvement of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia in this tripartite meeting signals an attempt to forge strong alliances to enhance sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security across their borders.

The Tripartite Summit in Eritrea marked a significant step forward in regional diplomacy, underscoring a commitment to uphold international law, enhance cooperation to address common security challenges, and strengthen support for Somalia’s stability. The collaborative framework established among Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia paves the way for strategic partnerships and coordinated efforts to promote peace and development in the Horn of Africa.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com