Egypt announced on Sunday that it rejects the involvement of non-Red Sea countries in security and political arrangements concerning the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The position was expressed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during talks in Cairo with Yemeni Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani as part of the ninth round of the Egyptian-Yemeni strategic dialogue.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen and its backing for Yemen’s internationally recognised government and state institutions.
The discussions also focused on maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden amid growing regional tensions.
Abdelatty stressed Egypt’s “categorical rejection” of attempts to internationalise or militarise the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as Cairo’s rejection of the participation of non-littoral states in arrangements related to the two waterways.
He stated that responsibility for securing and governing the region belongs exclusively to Arab and African countries bordering the Red Sea.
The two sides also agreed on the need for a broader approach to Red Sea security that includes economic and developmental dimensions in addition to military considerations.
In this context, Abdelatty called for accelerating the activation of mechanisms linked to the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The statement follows similar remarks made earlier this month during talks between Egypt and Eritrea in Asmara, where both countries rejected attempts by non-littoral actors to impose security arrangements in the region.
