Egypt and Eritrea signed a maritime transport cooperation agreement in Asmara on May 16, 2026, as Egyptian officials outlined plans for a shipping line connecting the two countries’ Red Sea ports.
Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir and Eritrean Transport and Communications Minister Tesfaselassie Berhane signed the agreement in the presence of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty accompanied al-Wazir on the visit, which followed instructions from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Al-Wazir said the agreement and shipping connection would enhance economic cooperation between the countries. Abdelatty said the agreement would begin an effort to link their ports and establish direct shipping services.
Shipping plans and economic cooperation
The official accounts of the May 16 visit and Abdelatty’s May 18 remarks did not specify the ports to be linked, a launch date, sailing schedules, cargo types or freight rates. They also did not detail port handling capacity or customs arrangements.
Al-Wazir said Egypt was ready to share expertise in railways, ports and maritime transport as part of broader cooperation with Eritrea on transport, infrastructure and logistics.
Egyptian business representatives accompanied the ministers and met Afwerki. At an Egyptian–Eritrean business forum on May 16, company representatives from both countries discussed investment opportunities, possible joint projects and obstacles facing businesses.
Abdelatty identified transport, construction, pharmaceuticals, mining and fisheries as areas for cooperation. He also highlighted railways, logistics, technical assistance and training for Eritrean personnel.
Afwerki expressed Eritrea’s readiness to undertake joint projects with Egyptian companies.
Red Sea security discussed
Abdelatty said governance and security of the Red Sea were the exclusive responsibility of countries bordering it. He argued that countries without a Red Sea coastline should not participate in related arrangements and expressed Egypt’s support for Eritrea’s position on the issue.
He also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for stability in the Horn of Africa. The discussions included developments in Sudan and Somalia.
Afwerki expressed Eritrea’s commitment to strengthening political, economic and security coordination with Egypt.
