Egypt Pledges Support for Somalia Amid Red Sea Tensions
Egypt has expressed a strong commitment to protecting Somalia’s coastline and opposing any external attempts to access the Red Sea that could destabilize the region. The Egyptian Foreign Minister’s remarks coincide with discussions on Ethiopia’s ambitions to access the Red Sea through Somaliland, an issue that remains contentious. Both Egypt and Somalia aim to bolster their strategic partnership, emphasizing respect for sovereignty.
In a significant diplomatic development, Egypt has made a strong commitment to safeguard the coastline of Somalia amidst ongoing tensions concerning Red Sea access. During a meeting with Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi in Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s position against any nation, excluding the coastal states, attempting to control Red Sea passageways. This statement responds notably to Ethiopia’s ambitions to gain access to the Red Sea through Somaliland, a venture opposed by Somalia. In light of recent reconciliatory talks in Turkey, Minister Fiqi acknowledged the positive impact of these discussions in preventing further violence in the region, which he characterized as a potential “dangerous explosion that could have burned everyone’s interests.” Further emphasizing Somalia’s sovereignty, Fiqi pointed out ongoing technical discussions aimed at facilitating Ethiopia’s access in a manner that respects Somalia’s territorial rights. The Cairo meeting culminated in a joint statement aimed at establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, underlining Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity through a newly established defense pact.
The geopolitical landscape surrounding the Red Sea is fraught with tension, primarily due to historical disputes over territorial waters and access rights. Somalia’s geographical position along the Horn of Africa plays a crucial role in regional trade routes, especially relating to access to the Red Sea. Ethiopia’s aspiration to connect to the Red Sea through Somaliland highlights the complex interface between regional cooperation and national sovereignty issues. The diplomatic meetings among the parties involved serve as a critical platform for addressing these sensitive topics and striving for peaceful resolutions.
Egypt’s commitment to protect Somalia’s coastline and oppose forced access to the Red Sea emphasizes the importance of national sovereignty and regional stability. The cooperation between Egypt and Somalia aims to reinforce their strategic partnership, directly addressing the tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s ambitions in the region. As diplomatic discussions progress, the focus remains on finding a solution that respects Somalia’s territorial integrity while potentially accommodating Ethiopia’s interests.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
