Egypt rejects attempts to ‘internationalize’ or ‘militarize’ Red Sea in talks with Yemen

CAIRO – 24 May 2026: Egypt has reiterated its rejection of any attempts to “internationalize” or “militarize” the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, saying security of the strategic waterway should remain the exclusive responsibility of the Arab and African bordering it.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during talks with Yemeni Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsin Zindani in Cairo, as they chaired the ninth round of the two countries’ strategic dialogue on Sunday.

Abdelatty stressed Egypt’s “categorical rejection” of the involvement of non-littoral states in regional security arrangements, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The two sides agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to Red Sea security extending beyond military and security dimensions to include the economic and developmental aspects of littoral states.

 

Abdelatty also called for accelerating the activation of mechanisms under the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

He highlighted Egypt’s efforts to strengthen regional institutional and national capacities, including through the recently launched “StREAM” initiative aimed at enhancing Red Sea governance and security.

Historic Relations

The Egyptian minister opened the talks by reaffirming the “historic and deeply rooted” ties between Egypt and Yemen, saying the timing of the strategic dialogue reflected both countries’ keenness to coordinate positions on regional crises.

He also reiterated Cairo’s longstanding support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and Egypt’s backing for Yemen’s legitimate government and state institutions to fulfill their role and meet the Yemeni people’s aspirations.

Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for resuming a comprehensive political settlement process under UN auspices and welcomed a recent prisoner exchange agreement reached under UN mediation with support from Jordan.

US-Iran Talks

The talks also addressed regional developments, particularly ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Abdelatty said Egypt hopes diplomatic efforts will lead to a comprehensive agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties, ends the war, paves the way for lasting regional peace and security, while sparing the region further escalation.