El-Sisi welcomes Afwerki for GEM opening, affirms support to Eritrea’s sovereignty

CAIRO – 30 October 2025: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, who is visiting Egypt to attend the grand inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for Saturday.

El-Sisi praised Afwerki’s visit to Egypt and his participation in the GEM inauguration.

He affirmed Egypt’s pride in its strong strategic relations with Eritrea and its keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation across various fields, particularly in economic and investment areas, in support of Afwerki’s efforts to advance national development.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s firm commitment to supporting Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In turn, Afwerki expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s role, under El-Sisi’s leadership, in promoting stability and advancing development in the Horn of Africa and East Africa.

He welcomed the expansion of economic cooperation with Egypt and strengthening bilateral coordination on international and regional issues of shared interest.

Sudan Crisis

The two leaders discussed developments in the Horn of Africa and reiterated their shared vision on ending the war in Sudan.

They emphasized the importance of supporting Sudan’s national institutions, particularly the Sudanese Armed Forces, and rejecting any attempts to establish parallel entities.

 

El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s efforts within the framework of the Quad mechanism, which also involves the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to end the war and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Sudanese people.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to work with partners to ensure Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty.

Somalia, Red Sea Security

The meeting also addressed developments in Somalia.

Both presidents underscored their countries’ commitment to the joint trilateral statement issued at the summit of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia in Asmara in October 2024.

The summit emphasized respect for the fundamental principles of international law, foremost among them the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Somalia and all states of the region.

They also stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to achieve regional stability and strengthen Somali state institutions to address internal and external challenges.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation to ensure Red Sea security and safeguard navigation in this vital waterway.

El-Sisi emphasized the need to intensify coordination between Egypt and Eritrea, as well as with other neighboring Arab and African states, to consolidate security and stability in this strategically important area.