His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met with His Excellency President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea in a fraternal meeting reflecting the depth of the strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Eritrea. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and discussed ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields, in order to serve the common interests of the two peoples and countries.
Strengthening joint cooperation and Red Sea security
The meeting addressed several topics of mutual interest, most notably the security and stability of the Red Sea region. These discussions come at a time of significant geopolitical shifts in the region, necessitating ongoing coordination among the Red Sea littoral states. Eritrea, with its strategic location along the western coast of the Red Sea, is a pivotal partner for the Kingdom in maintaining the security of international waterways and ensuring freedom of navigation—a matter of paramount importance to the Saudi leadership in guaranteeing the stability of global supply chains.
Historical background and diplomatic role of the Kingdom
This meeting is not a fleeting event, but rather an extension of a long history of diplomatic relations and cooperation between Riyadh and Asmara. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played a historic and pivotal role in establishing peace in the Horn of Africa, most notably through its sponsorship of the Jeddah Peace Agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which ended decades of conflict and estrangement. This ongoing dialogue underscores the Crown Prince's commitment to monitoring developments in the Horn of Africa and supporting all efforts that promote regional stability, stemming from the Kingdom's leading role in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
Economic dimensions and alignment of visions
On the economic front, strengthening relations with the Horn of Africa is of particular importance in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia's mega-projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, overlook this vital waterway. Therefore, the stability of the countries bordering the Saudi coast, especially Eritrea, is a cornerstone for the success of these massive tourism and investment projects. The two sides discussed promising investment opportunities and the potential for increasing trade, which would contribute to achieving sustainable development for both parties.
The importance of regional and international coordination
The meeting concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and consultation on regional and international issues. This meeting underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to its diplomatic approach, which is based on building strategic partnerships, promoting dialogue, and supporting brotherly and friendly nations in addressing security and development challenges, thus solidifying the Kingdom's position as a peacemaker and pillar of stability in the region.
