Addis Abeba – Eritrea and Egypt have firmly rejected the involvement of non-coastal states in Red Sea security, asserting that the governance of the vital waterway should be the responsibility of its coastal nations. This declaration follows a diplomatic visit by Eritrea’s Foreign Minister, Osman Saleh, to Cairo on March 23, 2025, where he communicated a message from Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. According to Egyptian presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, Al-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Eritrea during this meeting.
The discussions not only focused on reinforcing ties between the two nations but also addressed pressing concerns regarding regional stability and security cooperation. In line with this, both countries reiterated that coastal states should take the lead in managing the Red Sea, emphasizing their rejection of non-coastal nations' interference in its governance.
This meeting came on the heels of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s parliamentary speech on March 20, 2025. Abiy described access to the Red Sea as “existential” for his country but ruled out any intentions of invading Eritrea over the matter. He underscored that any resolution must rely on “give and take” and “market principles,” warning that neglecting this crucial issue could lead to significant challenges in the future.
In a previous statement, Foreign Minister Osman had expressed Eritrea's bewilderment towards what he referred to as Ethiopia’s “misguided and outdated ambitions” regarding maritime access, whether pursued diplomatically or through military force. He called upon the international community to ensure that Ethiopia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring countries.
During the talks in Cairo, Osman and his Egyptian counterpart also deliberated on the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Somalia. They voiced concerns about the “prolonged conflict in Sudan” and its broader implications for regional stability. Both nations reaffirmed their support for initiatives aimed at restoring peace in Sudan and highlighted the critical importance of stability in Somalia for effectively combating terrorism and ensuring overall regional security.
It is worth noting that Osman's visit to Cairo was preceded by a trip to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah. In that meeting, Osman conveyed a message from President Isaias Afwerki to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. The discussions between Osman and the Saudi minister also focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing key regional issues.
The backdrop of these meetings reflects the escalating tensions surrounding maritime access and governance in the Red Sea, which has been a contentious issue among the coastal states. Eritrea and Egypt's stance is a clear indication of their intent to maintain control over regional security dynamics, particularly concerning non-coastal nations' participation in these discussions.
This situation remains dynamic, with developments in the Red Sea region being closely monitored by neighboring states and international stakeholders alike. As these nations navigate their diplomatic relations and confront emerging challenges, the emphasis on regional cooperation and security remains paramount.
Consequently, as tensions in the Red Sea continue to evolve, the positions taken by Eritrea and Egypt regarding governance and security will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region, influencing both political and economic landscapes.
