On October 4, 2026, the leaders of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia held a quadrilateral consultative summit in El Alamein, Egypt. The summit was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The leaders discussed regional issues and ways to enhance political, economic, and trade cooperation among their countries.
The leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to the basic principles and pillars of international law, which they believe are essential for regional stability and cooperation. They stressed the need to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of each country, as well as the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs. They also agreed to support national institutions and promote peaceful and political solutions to conflicts.
The summit also focused on coordinating joint efforts to achieve regional stability and create a favorable environment for sustainable development. The leaders aimed to enhance economic, trade, and cultural relations, which would help achieve economic integration and sustainable development. They also sought to strengthen ties between the peoples of their countries, given their shared goals and destiny.
The leaders discussed several key issues, including support for the unity and sovereignty of Sudan and Somalia. They rejected the creation of parallel entities and any interference in the internal affairs of these countries. They also emphasized the importance of supporting national institutions and promoting peaceful and political solutions to conflicts. Additionally, they agreed to support Somalia's efforts to combat terrorism and establish stability in the country.
The leaders also discussed the issue of the Red Sea and the importance of freedom of navigation. They emphasized that the governance of the Red Sea is the exclusive responsibility of the coastal states. Furthermore, they stressed the need to respect international law in transboundary rivers, including the Nile River, and rejected any unilateral actions that could harm the existing water uses of downstream countries.
The leaders agreed to establish a mechanism to follow up on the outcomes of the periodic consultative summit, which will be held regularly as needed. This mechanism aims to enhance consultation and coordination among the four countries. The leaders also expressed their appreciation for Egypt's hosting of the summit and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations among their countries.
The agreement was made in a joint statement, known as the El Alamein Declaration. The statement was issued after the summit, which was convened at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The leaders reiterated their commitment to the principles of international law and the importance of regional cooperation and stability.
Key points
- The leaders of Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia agree to establish a mechanism to follow up on the outcomes of their periodic consultative summit.
- The leaders emphasize the importance of adhering to the basic principles and pillars of international law for regional stability and cooperation.
- The leaders discuss several key issues, including support for the unity and sovereignty of Sudan and Somalia, and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
