Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi hosted a quadripartite summit with the leaders of Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia in the New Administrative Capital's city of El Alamein. The summit, which was convened at the invitation of President El-Sisi, brought together Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. The leaders engaged in extensive consultations on current regional and international issues and ways to enhance political, commercial, and economic cooperation among the four countries.
The summit resulted in the issuance of the El Alamein Declaration, which emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles and basic pillars of international law as the foundation for regional stability and cooperation. The declaration highlighted the need to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial unity of countries in the region, as well as the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs. The leaders also stressed the importance of supporting national institutions and promoting peaceful and political solutions to conflicts.
The El Alamein Declaration also addressed the issue of transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, emphasizing the need to respect international law and the principles of not causing harm to other countries. The leaders rejected any unilateral actions that could harm the existing water uses of downstream countries, namely Egypt and Sudan. The declaration also expressed support for the unity and sovereignty of Sudan and Somalia, rejecting any attempts to undermine their territorial integrity.
The summit also discussed coordination of joint efforts to achieve regional stability and create a conducive environment for sustainable development. The leaders aimed to enhance economic, trade, and cultural relations, promoting economic integration and sustainable development. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the peoples of the participating countries, taking into account their shared goals and common destiny.
The El Alamein Declaration expressed support for Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting the establishment of any parallel entities. The leaders encouraged the resumption of the political process in Sudan, led and owned by the Sudanese people. They also rejected any external interference or support for mercenaries. Additionally, the declaration expressed support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty, rejecting any attempts to undermine its territorial integrity.
The summit also addressed the issue of combating terrorism in Somalia, with the leaders expressing support for Somalia's efforts to enhance security and stability. They called on international partners to provide predictable and sustainable financing for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The leaders also emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, with the governance of the sea being the exclusive responsibility of the coastal states.
The quadripartite summit concluded with an agreement to establish a follow-up mechanism to implement the outcomes of the summit, which will be held periodically as needed. The leaders expressed their gratitude to President El-Sisi for hosting the summit, which marked an important step in enhancing consultation and coordination among the four countries. The summit demonstrated the commitment of the participating countries to regional stability, cooperation, and development.
Key points
- The El Alamein Declaration emphasizes the importance of respecting international law and the principles of not causing harm to other countries, particularly with regard to transboundary rivers such as the Nile River.
- The summit expressed support for the unity and sovereignty of Sudan and Somalia, rejecting any attempts to undermine their territorial integrity.
- The leaders agreed to establish a follow-up mechanism to implement the outcomes of the summit, which will be held periodically as needed.
