Eritrea, Egypt and Somalia resolve to respect regional territorial integrity

A tripartite summit held by the leaders of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia resolved to respect the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the countries of the region.

This is according to a communique shared after the meeting that pledged to confront interference in the internal affairs of the countries while working to develop and deepen cooperation and coordination between the three countries to enhance the capabilities of the Somali state institutions to confront various internal and external challenges including terrorism and border threats.

“The three heads of state underlined the imperative of adhering to the basic principles and pillars of international law as the indispensable basis for regional stability and cooperation: especially unequivocal respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the countries of the region; confronting interference in the internal affairs of the countries of the region under any pretext or justification; coordinating joint efforts to achieve regional stability; and creating a conducive climate for joint and sustainable development,” the communique said.

It added that the leaders agreed to develop and deepen cooperation and coordination between the three countries to enhance the capabilities of the Somali state institutions to confront various internal and external challenges and to enable the Somali National Federal Army to confront terrorism in all its forms, protect its land and sea borders, and maintain its territorial integrity.

The meeting further delved into the crisis in Sudan and its regional repercussions, the situation in Somalia in light of recent regional developments, security and cooperation issues between the Littoral States of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the context of its utmost importance as a vital maritime route and modalities of diplomatic coordination and joint efforts between the three countries.

The meeting, which was held in the Eritrean capital, Asmara October 10, was attended by Presidents Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, and Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The meeting also welcomed the efforts made by Eritrea and Egypt in supporting stability in Somalia and enhancing the capabilities of the federal government and commended Egypt’s offer to contribute forces within the framework of peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.

The country will be deploying troops to the post-ATMIS mission that begins its operations in January next year.

The leaders also formed a joint tripartite committee of the foreign ministers of Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia for strategic cooperation in all fields.