Egyptian and Djiboutian foreign ministers held high-level political consultations on Sunday, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring the potential for linking Egyptian ports with Djibouti. The meeting followed an earlier discussion between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, during which both leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between their nations.

Youssouf delivered a message from Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s partnership and a commitment to deepening relations. President Al-Sisi reciprocated, highlighting the historical depth of bilateral ties and Egypt’s eagerness to expand cooperation further.

According to the Egyptian Presidency Spokesperson, the discussions explored ways to strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, aiming to achieve shared goals and meet the aspirations of both countries.

The talks also addressed regional issues, particularly the situation in the Horn of Africa. President Al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s unity, stability, and territorial integrity. The two sides also discussed the security of the Red Sea, agreeing on the importance of joint efforts to ensure stability in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and maintain safe navigation in the region.

Later, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Djiboutian counterpart held bilateral talks, emphasizing the historical and strategic ties between their countries. Abdelatty praised the growth of bilateral relations, particularly in economic and development sectors, and reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Djibouti through infrastructure projects, technical assistance, and expertise sharing in fields such as health, education, energy, maritime transport, and logistics.

At a joint press conference, Abdelatty highlighted plans to link Egyptian ports with Djibouti and enhance cooperation in the logistics sector. “Given Djibouti’s strategic location and its vulnerability to Red Sea escalations, we share a common goal of ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation,” he said. He also announced plans to establish an Egyptian logistics zone in Djibouti to promote Egyptian products and boost trade between the two nations.

Youssouf described the bilateral relationship as exceptional, noting that developments in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East require continuous consultation. “Egypt and Djibouti are strategically positioned at the northern and southern gates of the Red Sea, respectively, making our national security closely interconnected,” he said. He also acknowledged Egypt’s leadership role in the African Union and its contributions to continental cooperation.

The ministers discussed regional developments, including maritime security in the Red Sea and efforts to protect navigation routes. They also addressed support for Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts and its stabilization, referencing their countries’ contributions to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

Additionally, the situation in Sudan was a key topic, with both ministers stressing the need for a settlement that preserves state institutions and territorial integrity. They also discussed advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, reforming the African Peace and Security Council, and supporting each other’s candidacies in international forums.

The meetings underscored the growing partnership between Egypt and Djibouti, with both nations committed to fostering regional stability, enhancing economic ties, and addressing shared challenges in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.