On October 4, 2026, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed his counterparts from Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea to a quadripartite summit in New El Alamein. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation among the participating nations, focusing on pressing regional and international issues. According to an official statement, the leaders engaged in in-depth consultations on enhancing political, commercial, and economic collaboration.
The summit's joint declaration emphasized the importance of adhering to fundamental principles and pillars of international law, which are seen as essential for regional stability and cooperation. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of nations in the region. They also stressed the need to promote good neighborliness, reject interference in internal affairs, and support national institutions.
The quadripartite summit also addressed ways to coordinate joint efforts to achieve regional stability and create a conducive environment for sustainable development. The leaders sought to enhance economic, trade, and cultural ties, promoting integration and connectivity among their nations. They acknowledged the unity of their goals and shared destiny, emphasizing the importance of working together to overcome common challenges.
The summit's discussions focused on several key issues, including the situation in Sudan. The leaders expressed their support for Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting the establishment of any parallel entities. They encouraged the resumption of the political process under Sudanese ownership and leadership, while also rejecting any support for mercenaries.
The leaders also discussed the situation in Somalia, reaffirming their support for the country's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They rejected any interference or actions that could undermine Somalia's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The leaders expressed their backing for Somalia's efforts to combat terrorism and enable its institutions to exert control over the entire country.
A key outcome of the summit was the emphasis on the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, with the leaders affirming that its governance is the exclusive responsibility of the coastal states. They also highlighted the importance of respecting international law in transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, particularly the principle of not causing harm and the need for cooperation through prior notification, consultation, and consensus.
The quadripartite summit concluded with an agreement to establish a follow-up mechanism to monitor the implementation of the summit's outcomes. The leaders decided that the mechanism would meet regularly, as needed, to enhance consultation and coordination among their nations. The Egyptian President was thanked for hosting the summit, which was seen as a significant step towards fostering greater cooperation and understanding among the participating countries.
Key points
- The quadripartite summit in New El Alamein emphasized the importance of regional stability, cooperation, and adherence to international law.
- The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of nations in the region.
- The summit's joint declaration highlighted the need for cooperation in areas such as combating terrorism, promoting economic development, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.