CAIRO – Egyptian officials and France’s special envoy for Sudan and the Horn of Africa discussed developments in Sudan, regional security and efforts to reduce tensions during talks in Cairo, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said.
Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Sudan and South Sudan Hani Salah and Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Karim Sherif met French envoy Jean-Marie Safa as part of consultations on Sudan, South Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa.
The talks also addressed Red Sea security and Egyptian efforts under the StREAM initiative, with Cairo reiterating its opposition to attempts to militarize the strategic waterway.
Egypt said responsibility for safeguarding Red Sea security and stability should remain with the Arab and African states bordering it.
The meeting reviewed French efforts, both through the European Union and bilaterally, aimed at de-escalation in the region.
The officials also discussed the results of the third Egypt-Sudan “2+2” consultation mechanism, held in Cairo on Nov. 2 between the two countries’ foreign and irrigation ministers.
That meeting reaffirmed Egyptian and Sudanese coordination on Sudan’s stability, Nile water security and Red Sea affairs.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the Cairo talks also reviewed a cooperation memorandum between the two countries’ irrigation ministries that includes Egyptian support for rehabilitation work at Sudan’s Jebel Aulia Dam.
The consultations come as diplomatic efforts continue to address Sudan’s war and its growing regional implications, including security in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea.
