President El-Sisi Welcomes Eritrean Leader Isaias Afwerki in Official Ceremony

President El-Sisi and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki today during an official visit to Egypt.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting aimed at strengthening ties between their countries and discussing various regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The presidential spokesperson reported that the reception ceremony included a guard of honor, the playing of both nations’ national anthems, and a commemorative photo session for the two presidents. This was followed by an extensive meeting with delegations from both nations, a private discussion between the two leaders, and a luncheon hosted by President El-Sisi in honor of President Afwerki and his accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Mohamed Al-Shenawy, the presidential spokesperson, noted that President El-Sisi welcomed President Afwerki to his “second home,” Egypt, highlighting the deep historical relations between the two nations. He emphasized the need to continue working towards enhancing these relations across various fields to achieve mutual interests for both brotherly peoples, particularly through developing trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Egypt and Eritrea. The president reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast commitment to supporting Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In response, President Afwerki expressed his appreciation for visiting Egypt and meeting with President El-Sisi. He praised the progress in bilateral relations and Egypt’s support for Eritrea’s developmental aspirations. He affirmed Eritrea’s desire to intensify collaboration with Egypt to enhance brotherly relations and expand them into broader horizons that serve mutual interests and the aspirations of both peoples towards prosperity and development.

The discussions also covered regional and international developments, including updates on the situation in the Horn of Africa. In this context, President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance on maintaining security and stability in the Horn of Africa as part of its national security. He stressed the importance of coordination between Egypt and Eritrea to ensure stability in this region. President Afwerki acknowledged Egypt’s efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and achieve comprehensive development within its countries, emphasizing the significance of bilateral coordination to uphold peace and stability in the region.

Additionally, they addressed developments regarding Sudan, where President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, security, and stability. The necessity to resolve the current crisis was underscored along with supporting Sudan in restoring comprehensive stability.

The leaders also discussed ongoing cooperation to ensure security in the Red Sea and freedom of maritime navigation therein. President El-Sisi stressed the importance of enhancing coordination between their countries while considering the exclusive responsibility of coastal states over governance in maintaining security and stability in this area—an agreement echoed by President Afwerki. They agreed to continue their existing coordination and consultations to ensure regional peace and stability while supporting efforts for comprehensive development in the area.