CAIRO, March 11 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stressed the importance of the partnership between Egypt and the European Union to achieve security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

The minister's remarks were made during his meeting with European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber on Tuesday.

The meeting falls within the framework of enhancing consultation and coordination between Egypt and the EU to achieve security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Egypt is keen on finding peaceful solutions and resolving regional conflicts through constructive dialogue and joint cooperation, Abdelatty said.

He also stressed the need to intensify international and regional efforts to address security challenges facing the countries of the region, topped by fighting terrorism and extremism.

Abdelatty also reviewed Egypt's efforts to shore up stability in the Horn of Africa, citing Egypt's diplomatic mediation to settle regional conflicts.

Egypt attaches strategic importance to strengthening its ties with countries of the region as the fundamental pillar of regional and continental security, he made it clear.

As for the situation in Sudan, Abdelatty welcomed the EU envoy's recent visit to Port Sudan, expressing his keenness to learn about her impression about the developments there.

On this score, he called for full respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and preserving the Sudanese State, its capabilities and institutions.

Egypt backs international and regional initiatives aimed at ending the conflict and reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Sudanese crisis, he said.

Abdelatty also briefed the EU envoy on Egypt's intensive efforts to coordinate with international parties and representatives of Sudanese political forces, to support settlement efforts, reach a ceasefire, and ensure unrestricted access of humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people.

They exchanged views on a number of security and political issues and challenges to the Horn of Africa.

Abdelatty also listened to the EU's assessment of the situation in the region, stressing the importance of supporting the stability of Somalia and respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He expressed Egypt's keenness to continue its efforts to support the state institutions in Somalia.

Abdelatty underlined the growing security challenges in the Red Sea, a matter that requires boosting regional cooperation between countries bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to ensure the stability of international shipping routes and lanes.

For her part, the EU envoy to the Horn of Africa expressed the EU's appreciation for Egypt's active role in solving African issues.

She further noted that the EU attaches great importance to protecting the security of the Red Sea and the stability of the Horn of Africa.

Weber said she looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Egypt within the framework of international efforts to bring stability to the Horn of Africa.

She underlined Egypt's crucial role as a fundamental pillar of regional security and stability. (MENA)
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