US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has concluded a diplomatic tour of Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea as Washington intensifies engagement in the Horn of Africa. The visit comes at a critical time of shifting alliances and conflicts in the region.
In Mogadishu, Boulos met Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali to discuss security and stability in the Horn, bilateral cooperation, and Somalia’s domestic political dialogue. The talks underscored US support for Somalia’s stability amid ongoing security challenges.
In Asmara, Boulos held discussions with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, focusing on US-Eritrea bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, regional economic development, and security. Notably, the US is considering lifting some sanctions on Eritrea as part of efforts to restore diplomatic ties that have been largely severed for two decades.
In Cairo, Boulos met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to reaffirm the strategic partnership and address shared regional priorities, including developments in Libya, Sudan, Lebanon, and the Horn of Africa. Both sides emphasized the need for continued coordination on security issues.
‘At a time when collective efforts are more important than ever, we underscored the need to work together constructively to address regional conflicts and advance lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa,’ said Boulos. Analysts view the diplomatic push as part of Washington’s strategy to secure the Red Sea’s western coast amid fluctuating US-Iran tensions.
Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: The Reporter Ethiopia
