Shoukry was received by Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh at Asmara Airport Saleh spoke of his interest in continuing consultations with Egypt on various issues related to the African continent and the Horn of Africa region CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry arrived in the Eritrean capital Asmara for a bilateral visit carrying a message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Isaias Afwerki, the president of Eritrea. Shoukry was received by Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh at Asmara Airport. Shoukry’s message related to supporting and strengthening bilateral relations between the countries and consultation and coordination on regional developments of common interest, said Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesperson for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two foreign ministers held a meeting before Shoukry met Afwerki. Shoukry reviewed in detail existing and proposed cooperation programs and projects involving the two countries. A joint action plan was agreed upon to follow up on the implementation of these projects, which are in the areas of infrastructure, health, training, fisheries, and other sectors of common interest. The meeting discussed the current situation in the Horn of Africa and ways to deal with challenges at various levels. Shoukry stressed Egypt’s great interest in the region’s stability, and current developments. He expressed his country’s support for efforts to enhance peace and security in the region, which is a fundamental pillar of regional and continental security. The discussions also touched on several other issues, most notably the situation in the Gaza Strip. Shoukry spoke of the necessity of reaching an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and the importance of necessary humanitarian aid entering the area, while pointing to the dangers of the conflict expanding. The discussions also addressed developments in the current situation in Sudan and their threat to the stability of the country and the interests of the Sudanese people. Shoukry stressed the pivotal role played by Sudan’s neighboring countries in dealing with the crisis and looked at ways of solving problems, as well as the possibility of reaching a settlement that guaranteed the preservation of the unity, safety, and stability of Sudan. Saleh spoke of his interest in continuing consultations with Egypt on various issues related to the African continent and the Horn of Africa region. He said that the history of relations between Egypt and Eritrea dictated that the countries strengthened their cooperation.