Egypt & Africa
Egypt, UK Discuss Gaza, Iran Nuclear Talks, and Regional Security in High-Level London Meeting
Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets with the British National Security Adviser
At the outset of his visit to London, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates, met on Tuesday, 19 May, with Mr. Jonathan Powell, National Security Adviser to Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The meeting focused on discussing ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, and exchanging views and assessments regarding recent regional and international developments.
Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdelatty opened the meeting by reaffirming the importance Egypt attaches to strengthening relations with the United Kingdom across various political, economic, and investment fields.
Dr. Abdelatty praised the notable progress witnessed in bilateral relations during the recent period.
Minister Abdelatty also emphasized the importance of boosting economic cooperation and increasing British investments in Egypt in a manner that serves the mutual interests of the two countries, and supports economic development efforts.
Dr. Abdelatty further reiterated the importance of elevating bilateral relations to broader horizons of cooperation and coordination, and opening new avenues for cooperation across various sectors.
The two sides exchanged views and assessments regarding a number of regional issues of common interest.
In this context, Minister Abdelatty briefed the British official on the latest Egyptian efforts aimed at de-escalation in the region.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the negotiation track between the United States and Iran in a manner that contributes to reducing tensions and advancing political and diplomatic solutions away from military escalation.
Minister Abdelatty also highlighted the importance of preserving freedom of international navigation in accordance with the rules of international law.
The Minister further warned of the serious economic repercussions resulting from ongoing regional conflicts on the global economy, including rising energy prices, increasing inflation rates, higher food costs, as well as disruptions to global supply chains, international trade, and global tourism flows.
With regard to the Palestinian cause, Minister Abdelatty welcomed the British position concerning the recognition of the State of Palestine and the opening of a Palestinian Embassy in London.
He stressed the importance of concerted regional and international efforts to ensure the implementation of the commitments of the first phase of the U.S. President’s plan and to commence implementation of the second phase, in a manner that contributes to achieving calm and restoring stability.
In this regard, Minister Abdelatty underscored the importance of the Palestinian national committee for the administration of the Gaza Strip assuming its responsibilities from within the Strip, the swift deployment of the international stabilization force, and ensuring the unrestricted flow of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid, in a manner that contributes to alleviating the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people.
Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s categorical rejection and full condemnation of the ongoing Israeli violations in the West Bank, warning of their serious repercussions on the security and stability of the region.
The meeting further tackled developments in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa.
Minister Abdelatty reiterated the constants of Egypt’s position in support of the unity, territorial integrity, and stability of states, as well as support for their national institutions in a manner that achieves security and stability for their peoples.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides concurred on the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation during the coming period regarding regional and international issues, in a manner that reflects the depth of Egyptian-British relations and the two countries’ keenness to promoting security and stability in the region.
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