Egypt has formally rejected the involvement of non-Red Sea countries in security and political arrangements concerning the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, reinforcing its stance on regional control over strategic maritime routes.
The position was outlined during high-level talks in Cairo between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Yemeni officials as part of ongoing bilateral strategic dialogue. The discussions focused on maritime security amid rising tensions in key shipping lanes.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed that responsibility for securing the Red Sea region should remain exclusively with countries that border the waterways. He stressed what he described as Egypt’s firm rejection of external involvement in regional security frameworks.
During the meeting, Abdelatty held talks with Yemeni Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani, where both sides discussed cooperation on maritime stability and political coordination.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the talks also reiterated support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, as well as backing for its internationally recognised government and state institutions during its ongoing internal conflict.
A key focus of the discussions was the growing concern over maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, two of the world’s most important shipping corridors. Officials warned that instability in the region could have wider implications for global trade and energy supply routes.
Egypt also reiterated its opposition to what it described as attempts to internationalise or militarise the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The government said that such approaches could undermine regional sovereignty and complicate existing security structures.
According to Cairo, only Arab and African states bordering the Red Sea should be involved in managing security arrangements in the region. This position reflects Egypt’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen regional cooperation among coastal nations.
The Egyptian government has called for accelerating coordination through the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Officials say the council is intended to provide a framework for joint cooperation on security, economic development, and maritime governance.
Egypt’s stance comes amid increasing geopolitical interest in the Red Sea, where multiple global and regional powers have sought greater involvement due to its strategic importance as a key maritime trade route linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The latest statement follows similar remarks made during recent talks between Egypt and Eritrea in Asmara, where both sides also rejected external participation in Red Sea security arrangements.
Eritrea has historically supported a regional approach to Red Sea governance, aligning with Egypt’s view that littoral states should take the lead in managing security and political coordination.
Analysts say Egypt’s position reflects concerns over competing international influences in the region, as well as efforts to maintain regional autonomy over one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors.
The Red Sea has become increasingly significant in global geopolitics due to its role in international shipping and its proximity to conflict zones in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. As tensions rise, regional governments are seeking to define clearer frameworks for cooperation.
Egyptian officials say continued dialogue among coastal states will be essential to ensuring stability, protecting trade routes, and preventing external interference in regional decision-making processes.
