Egypt, Eritrea Expand Economic Talks Across Key Sectors

Egypt and Eritrea discussed expanding economic cooperation, trade and investment on Wednesday, with talks focusing on energy, industry, infrastructure, fisheries and pharmaceuticals, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Hagos Ghebrehiwet, Economic Adviser to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, on September 30 as the two countries continued efforts to translate their growing political ties into practical economic cooperation.

Abdelatty said Egypt was interested in increasing bilateral trade and investment and encouraging Egyptian companies and private-sector businesses to participate in priority projects in Eritrea.

The areas highlighted during the meeting included energy, industry, infrastructure, trade, fisheries and pharmaceuticals.

Egypt also expressed readiness to provide technical assistance and training in fields identified by Eritrea, according to the ministry.

The latest talks build on a series of economic engagements between Asmara and Cairo this year. In April, Ghebrehiwet and Eritrean Trade and Industry Minister Nasreddin Saleh held discussions with Egyptian officials on investment, trade, industrial and development cooperation.

That process continued in May with an Egyptian-Eritrean Business Forum attended by government officials and companies from both countries. Discussions at the forum covered transportation, construction, pharmaceuticals, mining, fisheries, railways and logistics, alongside efforts to encourage Egyptian private-sector activity in Eritrea.

Wednesday’s meeting also touched on preparations for the Alamein Africa Forum, which Egypt will host from October 2 to 4. The gathering will bring together African governments, businesses, investors and financial institutions with a focus on economic integration, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and investment partnerships.

Abdelatty and Ghebrehiwet also agreed on the importance of maintaining consultation and coordination on issues of common interest, including matters affecting regional security and stability.

The meeting adds to a broader pattern of increasingly regular Eritrean-Egyptian engagement, with economic cooperation emerging alongside the two countries’ continuing diplomatic consultations on regional affairs.