President Isaias Afwerki and his host, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, held extensive talks in Cairo today on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual importance.
The two leaders agreed to deepen and elevate the historical and brotherly ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries to a higher level.
In this respect, President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed on the launching of concrete programmes in the sectors of marine resources, development of port infrastructure, and maritime transport within the overall economic, political and diplomatic frameworks and agreements reached in the past.
The two leaders also discussed, in greater detail, the economic, political, diplomatic and security dimensions of developments and trends in the Red Sea, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and other international matters of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, subsequently discussed implementation details of the agendas outlined in the extensive consultations between the two Heads of State.
President Isaias Afwerki accorded warm welcome
President Isaias Afwerki and his host, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, held extensive talks in Cairo today on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual importance.
The two leaders agreed to deepen and elevate the historical and brotherly ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two countries to a higher level.
In this respect, President Isaias Afwerki and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi agreed on the launching of concrete programs in the sectors of marine resources, development of port infrastructure, and maritime transport within the overall economic, political and diplomatic frameworks and agreements reached in the past.
The two leaders also discussed, in greater detail, the economic, political, diplomatic and security dimensions of developments and trends in the Red Sea, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and other international matters of mutual interest.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Aman Abdelwas’e, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Egypt, as well as Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt.
Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and his Egyptian counterpart, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, subsequently discussed implementation details of the agendas outlined in the extensive consultations between the two Heads of State.
President Isaias Afwerki departed to Cairo in mid-afternoon hours today for a three-day official visit to Egypt.
During the visit, President Isaias will hold extensive discussions with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi on enhancement of broad bilateral ties including in the economic and other sectors.
The two Presidents will further discuss vital issues regarding the Horn of Africa; the security of the Red Sea; and, developments in the Middle East
Presidential delegation includes Foreign Minister Osman Saleh.
Independence Day Celebrations in Anseba and Southern Red Sea Regions
The Anseba and Southern Red Sea Regions enthusiastically celebrated the 35th Independence Day anniversary under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”
The celebration held at Keren Stadium on 23 May was attended by senior Government and PFDJ officials, army commanders, religious leaders, village elders, and a number of Keren city residents.
Mr. Siraj Haji, Chairman of the Holidays Coordinating Committee in the region, said that the celebratory event featured cultural and artistic programs depicting the bitter struggle the Eritrean people had to go through to realize their independence, the values and creativity nurtured, the heroism demonstrated, and the heavy sacrifice paid, as well as community gatherings and a carnival. Mr. Siraj also commended all those who contributed to and participated in the colorful event.
Col. Kibrom Nirayo, representing the Governor of the region, noted that the Eritrean people realized their independence and ensured their existence through over 50 years of political and armed struggle and 35 years of development and resilience. He also congratulated the Eritrean people and Defense Forces.
Similarly, the 35th Independence Day anniversary was colorfully celebrated on 23 May at the port city of Assab at the regional level under the theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.”
The celebratory event, in which Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the region; Brig. Gen. Abraham Andom, Commander of the Eastern Command; and Sultan Rahaita Abdulkadir Dawud took part, featured a military parade involving members of the Defense and Police Forces, a fast boat display, as well as cultural and artistic performances.
Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, explaining the heavy sacrifice that the Eritrean people paid to realize their independence, called for redoubled efforts in the implementation of development programs. He also commended all those who participated in the organization of the colorful celebratory event.
Ms. Hawa Mohammed, Chairperson of the Holidays Coordinating Committee in the region, said that residents of the 30 administrative areas in the port city are enthusiastically celebrating Independence Day together with members of the Defense Forces, attesting to the heavy price paid for independence and national sovereignty. #Eritrea
"Shukran Eritraya!" ("Thank You, Eritrea!") – The Sudan delegation joyfully joined the vibrant celebration of Eritrea’s independence in London, UK. With heartfelt appreciation, they acknowledged the incredible spirit of the Eritrean people and their government during the remarkable ceremony commemorating 35 years of freedom and unity.
Independence Day Anniversary Celebration in Addis Ababa
The 35th Independence Day anniversary, organized by the Eritrean Embassy in Ethiopia and Eritrea’s Permanent Mission to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, was colorfully celebrated on 22 May at the Headquarters of the African Union.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Biniam Berhe, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in Ethiopia and Eritrea’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa, said that this year’s Independence Day is celebrated under the deeply meaningful theme “Our Resilience: Our Guarantee.” He said that it was precisely this resilience, demonstrated by Eritrea’s liberation fighters and the entire population, that brought an arduous, three-decade-long struggle for independence to a triumphant end. Likewise, it is this same enduring spirit that has enabled Eritrea to navigate a turbulent regional and international environment, firmly securing its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Mr. Biniam also said that the enduring lesson from half a century of political and armed struggle, as well as the ongoing nation-building process, is clear: the ultimate guarantee for success is staying the course, come rain or shine.
Mr. Biniam reiterated that Eritrea’s national priority remains entirely aligned with the immediate needs of its citizens, with clear focus on rural communities and underprivileged sections of society, while pursuing a broader development agenda anchored on the country’s enormous endowments and comparative advantages. These include judicious investment in, and exploitation of, the blue economy, the extractive industry, and manufacturing, among other prospective sectors. Investment in human capital has been, and remains, an overarching objective for very palpable reasons and considerations.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Biniam said that Eritrea’s mission is clear: to ensure that citizens live in peace and have access to water, nutritious food, quality medical care, and the education necessary to reach their full potential, to mention only a few.
Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, congratulating the people and Government of Eritrea, said the history of Eritrea’s independence is one marked by extraordinary resilience, sacrifice, and determination. She added that this is matched by Eritrea’s fight against poverty and its economic development ambitions.
Ambassador Selma Malika went on to say that Eritrea stands as a powerful reminder that Africa’s broader journey toward self-determination and liberation—values that lie at the very heart of the African Union and its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity—becomes meaningful only when efforts are made to ensure fundamental socio-economic needs and build a future of hope for the people, as envisioned by the forefathers.
The occasion was attended by Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic community, and senior officials of the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa. #Eritrea
Keynote Address by President Isaias Afwerki on the Occasion of 35th Independence Anniversary
Asmara, 24 May 2026
*"...The establishment of a new global order founded upon fairness and justice must be regarded as one of humanity’s foremost missions and should not be relegated to the side-lines".
*"...Last year, I addressed issues in what we call our neighbourhood; specifically, the Nile Basin, the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Gulf, with particular reference to Ethiopia and the Sudan. Because the global vulnerability of the region has worsened, following the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the importance of collective security mechanism based on an agreement and cooperation among the States in the neighbourhood – rather than the normalized interventionist policies of self-proclaimed regional powers and external actors – that we have been advocating for long has, once again, become abundantly clear. It is high-time that serious efforts are exerted towards this end".
*"...As it will be recalled, I had elaborated, during last year’s Independence Day celebrations, on our development programmes and priorities across various sectors. While the concept itself is not new, the short-term objective remains improving our people’s livelihood, with priority to marginalized and underserved regions. The broader and long-term development programme consists of extricating the country from subsistence economy. It encompasses strengthening productivity, ensuring sustainable growth in production, laying the foundations for advanced processing and value-added industrial manufacturing, and service sectors. Beyond the economic dimension, these priorities also extend to encompass the diplomatic and informational domains".
*"...Road and transportation projects will be expanded according to plan. Extensive housing programmes will also proceed in parallel. Implementation of projects aimed at expanding electricity and water services will start within this year in spite of potential delays in supply chains. In the sphere of social services, particular emphasis will be placed on education, beginning from the pre-school level with broad popular participation. Likewise, the expansion of quality healthcare services will be pursued vigorously".
*"...Kudos to the dedicated, hardworking, courageous, patient, and steadfast people of Eritrea, along with the ever-present Defense Forces; the kernel, strong shield, and cornerstone of our development programs. Even if obstacles are encountered, there is no cause for apprehension. Rest assured!"
https://t.co/8Bzy0sNhJ9
🇪🇷 Natnael Tesfazion won Stage 4 of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque in Cassel, France, on his birthday and on the eve of Eritrea's Independence Day, securing his first victory for Movistar Team, and he's now 2nd in GC. Congrats Natu! Happy Independence Day! 🇪🇷#EritreaShineAt35
President Isaias Afwerki meets China’s Special Envoy to Horn of Africa
President Isaias Afwerki met, at the Denden Guest House in the late afternoon hours today, Ambassador Hu Changchun, China's Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa.
President Isaias Afwerki re-iterated Eritrea's readiness to consolidate its constructive engagement with the People's Republic of China, stressing the imperative for a more prominent role of China in various global and regional matters in these tumultuous times of heightened turmoil and instability.
President Isaias further alluded to Africa's immense natural and human endowments and underlined the invaluable role that China is expected to play in the development and enhancement of these resources.
Ambassador Hu Changchun, for his part, expressed China's readiness to work with Eritrea to deepen the existing bilateral strategic partnership for mutual benefit as well as leverage synergetic development strategies for the joint promotion of peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs. #Eritrea
It’s the Queen Stage! 👑 Team Eritrea vs. the brutal peaks of Nyungwe.
Leaders Henok & Merhawi look sharp for the 145km trek to Rusizi, with Nahom, Natan, and Yafet ready to control the road. Watch out for the Eritrean surge! 🇪🇷🚴♂️
#TdRwanda202
Highlights of Local Media Interview with President Isaias Afwerki - on international, regional and domestic issues
"Development is naturally predicated on stability. But that does not mean that it will be shelved even during the most adverse conditions. Development was not shelved even during the arduous times of the liberation struggle. So even in conditions of regional turbulence, our focus on, and pursuit of, our development agenda will continue with all the requisite rigour, commitment and priority. It will not be held hostage by other variables".
https://t.co/pVZWpmTwLS
On the invitation of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the Chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council, President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Port Sudan in the early afternoon hours today for a working visit.
President Isaias Afwerki and his entourage were accorded warm welcome by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and senior Government Ministers on their arrival, by road travel, at the entrance of Port Sudan.
President Isaias Afwerki's visit is both symbolic and vivid gesture of the warm and robust solidarity that Eritrea harbours towards the people of Sudan and their Government in these times of adversity.
The residents of the Port city came out in their thousands to welcome President Isaias Afwerki, chanting in celebration of the historic relations between Eritrea and Sudan.