Egypt’s FM: Threats to Red Sea security directly impact global economy

CAIRO – 12 June 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Badr Abdelatty, stressed the importance of safeguarding the stability of international shipping lanes and enhancing regional cooperation among Red Sea coastal states to ensure maritime security and the freedom of international navigation. 

He warned that any threat to Red Sea security would have direct consequences on the global economy, particularly amid the growing challenges facing the region.

His remarks came during a meeting on Wednesday, June 11, with Annette Weber, the European Union special envoy to the Horn of Africa, held on the sidelines of his participation in the Oslo Forum.

During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s perspective on developments in the Horn of Africa and listened to the EU envoy’s assessment of the ongoing crisis in Sudan. He underscored the urgent need to protect Sudanese lives, alleviate their suffering, and preserve the unity, institutions, and capacities of the Sudanese state. He also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to resolve the conflict and its active role in supporting mediation and peace initiatives.

The two officials also exchanged views on the broader security and political challenges affecting the Horn of Africa. Minister Abdelatty emphasized the need for intensified international and regional cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism across the region.

Addressing the situation in Somalia, Abdelatty spoke about the critical security and political challenges facing the country, and reiterated Egypt’s support for peacebuilding efforts through strengthening state institutions and safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The discussion also covered the transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the African Union Mission to Support Stabilization in Somalia (AUMSOM), highlighting the importance of securing sustainable funding and Egypt’s continued troop contribution in line with its commitment to regional stability.

For her part, EU Envoy Annette Weber expressed strong appreciation for Egypt’s active and pivotal role in promoting stability across the Horn of Africa. She affirmed the EU’s desire to deepen consultation and coordination with Egypt on regional matters to foster security and peace in the region.