Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has reaffirmed its opposition to the involvement of non-Red Sea countries in security and political arrangements concerning the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, warning against efforts to internationalize one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
The position was outlined by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during talks in Cairo on Sunday with Shaya al-Zindani as part of the ninth round of the Egyptian-Yemeni Strategic Dialogue.
According to a statement issued by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty reiterated Cairo’s support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, as well as its backing for the country’s internationally recognized government and state institutions.
Egypt Opposes Internationalization of the Red Sea
A significant portion of the discussions focused on maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden amid escalating regional tensions and growing concerns over the security of international shipping routes.
Abdelatty stressed Egypt’s “categorical rejection” of attempts to internationalize or militarize the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He also rejected the participation of non-littoral states in political or security arrangements related to the two waterways.
The Egyptian foreign minister said responsibility for securing and managing the region should remain exclusively in the hands of Arab and African countries that border the Red Sea. The remarks reflect Cairo’s longstanding position that regional security should be led by the states directly connected to the waterway rather than external powers seeking a greater role in its governance.
Broader Vision for Regional Security
During the talks, Egypt and Yemen agreed that security in the Red Sea cannot be addressed solely through military measures and requires a broader framework that includes economic development and regional cooperation.
Abdelatty emphasized the need to accelerate the activation of mechanisms associated with the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which was established to enhance coordination among countries bordering the strategic maritime corridor.
The council has increasingly been viewed by Egypt and several regional partners as the primary platform for addressing security, economic and political challenges affecting the Red Sea region.
Strategic Waterway Under Pressure
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have become a focal point of regional and international attention in recent years due to conflicts, piracy threats and attacks on commercial shipping, raising concerns over the stability of one of the world’s most important trade routes.
Egypt, whose economy relies heavily on revenues generated by the Suez Canal, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving freedom of navigation while ensuring that security arrangements remain under the leadership of regional states.
The latest statement also echoes positions expressed earlier this month during high-level talks between Egypt and Eritrea in the city of Asmara, where both countries rejected efforts by non-littoral actors to impose security arrangements in the Red Sea region.
The renewed Egyptian stance highlights Cairo’s determination to maintain a central role in shaping the future security architecture of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden at a time of growing geopolitical competition over the strategic waterway.
