Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati stated that Egypt firmly rejects any permanent military presence in the Red Sea by nations that do not border it. This declaration comes after the success of ceasefire efforts in the Gaza Strip, eliminating the need for further escalation in the Red Sea region.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Abdel Aati emphasized during a joint press conference with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssef that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea must be in accordance with international law. He highlighted Egypt’s opposition to any militarization of the Red Sea by external countries.
Abdel Aati also noted the critical connection between the Suez Canal and navigation in the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, underlining the significance of navigation security in the Red Sea for both Egypt and Djibouti.
He further discussed the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, asserting Egypt’s commitment to implementing the ceasefire agreement in its three phases. This includes fostering early recovery initiatives and ensuring the delivery of essential supplies like shelter, food, and medical aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The discussions between the Egyptian and Djiboutian ministers also covered regional developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. They focused on both nations’ roles in enhancing maritime security and safeguarding international shipping routes in the Red Sea.