Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas held a telephone conversation on Monday to discuss efforts to reduce tensions in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. The call was initiated by Kallas and also addressed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest. According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the two officials reviewed rapidly evolving developments in both regions and ways to prevent tensions from spreading.
During the conversation, Abdelatty and Kallas reaffirmed the need to respect state sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and to intensify regional and international efforts to contain crises and restore security and stability. They highlighted the importance of continued coordination between Egypt and the European Union to support de-escalation and secure lasting settlements to regional crises. Egypt has been playing a central and constructive role in advancing political and diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
The discussions between Abdelatty and Kallas follow a series of diplomatic efforts by Egypt to reduce regional escalation. In May, Kallas praised Egypt's regional diplomatic role during a telephone call with Abdelatty. The two officials also discussed ways to strengthen Egypt's relations with Europe, which were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2024. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation between Egypt and the EU in various fields.
The Red Sea and Horn of Africa have been experiencing heightened tensions in recent months. Egypt and Eritrea stressed in September that Red Sea security remains the responsibility of its coastal states. This statement came after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed support for Eritrea's sovereignty and stability during talks with President Isaias Afwerki in New Alamein. Egypt has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry reported that Abdelatty and Kallas also discussed Egypt's role in advancing political and diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts. The two officials emphasized the need for continued Egyptian-European coordination towards this shared goal. Egypt has been working closely with the EU to address regional challenges and promote stability.
The conversation between Abdelatty and Kallas is part of a broader effort by Egypt to engage with international partners on regional issues. President El-Sisi recently headed to South Korea for an Asian tour, which included visits to Malaysia and Indonesia. Egypt has also been working with other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, to address common challenges.
The discussions between Abdelatty and Kallas reflect the importance of international cooperation in addressing regional challenges. Egypt and the EU have been working together to promote stability and security in the region. Key points include:
Key points
- Egypt and EU discuss de-escalation efforts in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa
- Abdelatty and Kallas emphasize need for respect of state sovereignty and territorial integrity
- Egypt and EU aim to strengthen cooperation to address regional challenges
