Egypt reiterates its rejection of the militarization of the Red Sea

Written by: Mohammed Omran

Confirmed Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty and Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Al-Zindani stressed on Sunday the need to adopt a comprehensive approach to Red Sea security, as Cairo reiterated its categorical rejection of attempts to internationalize or militarize the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as the involvement of non-adjacent coastal states in arrangements related to the strategic waterway.

Egypt reiterates its rejection of the militarization of the Red Sea during Cairo talks with Yemen

These statements were made during the ninth round of the Egyptian-Yemeni strategic dialogue in Cairo, chaired by Abdel-Aati and Al-Zindani, who also serves as Prime Minister of Yemen.

According to Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khalaf, Foreign Minister Abdel-Aty emphasized Egypt’s pride in the deep historical relations between the two countries, describing them as a model of brotherly relations.

He said that holding the dialogue at this critical juncture reflects the keenness of both sides to coordinate positions on regional crises.

Abdel-Aati reiterated Cairo's support for Yemen's unity and territorial integrity, as well as Egypt's continued support for Yemeni national institutions and the internationally recognized government to help them fulfill their responsibilities and meet the aspirations of the Yemeni people. He also reaffirmed Egypt's support for the resumption of a comprehensive political settlement under the auspices of the United Nations.

In this context, the Egyptian Foreign Minister welcomed the prisoner exchange agreement recently reached under the auspices of the United Nations and with the support of Jordan, expressing Egypt’s readiness to provide all political and diplomatic support to advance settlement efforts.

Egypt rejects internationalizing the Red Sea during high-level talks with Yemen

The talks also addressed regional developments, particularly the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Abdel-Aati said that Egypt hopes that diplomatic efforts will result in a comprehensive agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties, ends the war, lays the foundations for lasting peace and security in the region, and prevents further escalation.

Regarding Red Sea security, both sides agreed on the need for a broader framework encompassing economic and developmental dimensions alongside the security considerations of the littoral states. Abdel-Aati emphasized the importance of expediting the activation of the mechanisms of the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

He also reviewed Egypt’s efforts to strengthen national and institutional capacities among the countries of the region, including through the recent launch and activation of the “Stream” initiative to enhance the management and security of the Red Sea.

Egypt officially announced the launch of the Suez and Red Sea Maritime Economic and Development Initiative (STRIM) in October 2025 during the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. Minister Abdel Latif unveiled the initiative as part of Cairo’s broader strategy to enhance cooperation among Red Sea and Gulf of Aden states in the areas of maritime security, economic integration, and regional governance.

Egypt and Yemen have intensified coordination on Red Sea security amid escalating regional tensions, Houthi attacks on international shipping routes, and increasing foreign military deployments in and around the strategic waterway.

Cairo has repeatedly warned against the militarization of the Red Sea, and stressed that the responsibility for securing the passage should remain with the Arab and African countries bordering it.

This meeting comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the long-running conflict in Yemen. Egypt has consistently supported the internationally recognized Yemeni government and backed UN-led efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement.