The Crown Prince discusses cooperation and Red Sea security with the President of Eritrea

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met today in his office at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh with His Excellency President Isaias Afwerki, President of the State of Eritrea, in an official visit that affirms the depth of relations that bind the Kingdom to the countries of the Horn of Africa.

Details of the bilateral talks

During the cordial meeting, the two sides reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations between their friendly countries and discussed prospects for joint cooperation in various fields and ways to develop them to serve the interests of both peoples. They also addressed a number of regional and international issues of common interest, focusing on matters that promote stability in the region.

High-level attendance

The meeting was attended on the Saudi side by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor; and His Excellency Meshal bin Hamdan Al-Ruqi, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Eritrea. On the Eritrean side, the meeting was attended by His Excellency Osman Saleh Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Winnie, Chargé d'Affaires of the Eritrean Embassy in Riyadh; and a number of other officials.

Strategic importance and security of the Red Sea

This visit is of paramount importance given Eritrea's strategic geographical location on the Red Sea coast, a vital waterway for global trade and for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These discussions reflect the Kingdom's commitment, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, to enhancing the security and stability of the Red Sea region and ensuring the safety of maritime navigation. This commitment was previously demonstrated by the establishment of the "Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden," headquartered in Riyadh, of which Eritrea is a founding and active member.

Saudi Arabia's role in the Horn of Africa

Historically, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in establishing peace in the Horn of Africa. The historic Jeddah Peace Agreement, sponsored by the Kingdom in 2018, which ended decades of estrangement and conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, stands out as a testament to the Kingdom's political weight and its ability to resolve regional conflicts and promote international peace.

Future prospects and Vision 2030

Through these meetings, the Kingdom seeks to align its development goals within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030 with the aspirations of neighboring countries, as stability in the Horn of Africa is a cornerstone for economic growth and attracting investment to the entire region. These discussions are expected to open new channels for economic and investment cooperation between Riyadh and Asmara, benefiting the people of both countries and strengthening the comprehensive regional security framework.