Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has joined leaders from Egypt, Somalia and Sudan for a high-level regional summit, placing Eritrea at the centre of renewed diplomatic efforts in the Horn of Africa.

The quadrilateral meeting was held in New Alamein, Egypt, on October 4, with discussions focused on regional security, Red Sea developments and cooperation on shared political challenges. The four leaders also stressed respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The meeting comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Eritrea. Asmara recently severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia after Addis Ababa expelled 10 Eritrean diplomats and announced the closure of its embassy in Asmara. Eritrea has rejected Ethiopian accusations that it is supporting armed opposition groups.

Against this backdrop, Eritrea’s participation in the summit gives President Afwerki an opportunity to strengthen ties with Egypt, Sudan and Somalia while presenting Asmara’s position on regional security and sovereignty.

The joint declaration called for continued consultation and cooperation and emphasized resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Eritrea’s expanding diplomatic activity could become increasingly important as political and security tensions reshape alliances across the Horn of Africa and Red Sea.