Egypt has reached agreements to develop strategic ports in Eritrea and Djibouti, Abu Dhabi-based The National reported, citing unnamed sources in Cairo.

The deals are expected to increase pressure on landlocked Ethiopia amid ongoing tensions over Nile water rights.

Under the arrangements, Egypt will modernize the port of Assab in Eritrea and the port of Doraleh in Djibouti. The plans reportedly include expanding port capacity, constructing docks for warships, and accommodating a limited number of special commando units.

Both ports lie near Bab el-Mandab, the southern gateway to the Red Sea and a crucial shipping route connecting Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and East Africa.

Ethiopia, which shares borders with Eritrea and Djibouti, relies heavily on the port of Doraleh for trade. Addis Ababa has historically resisted any attempts by neighbouring states to establish military or territorial control over its main maritime access point, highlighting the strategic sensitivities of the Red Sea corridor.