Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with his U.S. Counterpart
A phone call was conducted between Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates, and Mr. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, on Thursday evening, March 5.. The call reviewed the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region in light of the current escalation and the widening scope of conflict in the area.
In addition, the call touched on a number of regional issues, most notably developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as Egypt’s water security.
Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that during the call the two ministers discussed regional developments amid the dangerous escalation currently taking place in the region.
Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s position advocating for prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions to prevent the region from sliding into a vicious cycle of conflict and violence that would have grave consequences for the region’s peoples and resources.
The Foreign Minister further reiterated Egypt’s condemnation and categorical rejection of attacks targeting the Arab states of the Gulf, Jordan, Iraq, as well as Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
He stressed that there is no justification or pretext for such assaults on the security and sovereignty of these countries.
Minister Abdelatty warned of the catastrophic and serious repercussions of the continued cycle of violence and the expansion of the conflict, which threatens regional and international peace and security. He also emphasized the significance of intensifying regional and international coordination to maintain regional stability and protect international maritime security.
The call also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip in light of the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, on February 19. Minister Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s keenness to accelerate the implementation of the requirements of the second phase of the US President’s plan, provide full support to the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip, and deploy an international stabilization force to ensure compliance with the ceasefire. He noted these as necessary steps to pave the way for early recovery efforts and reconstruction throughout the Gaza Strip, while stressing the importance of continuing the flow of humanitarian and relief aid to all areas of the Strip.
Regarding the situation in the Horn of Africa, Minister Abdelatty underscored the importance of preserving the security, sovereignty, and stability of both Eritrea and Somalia, as well as the unity and territorial integrity of their lands. Dr. Abdelatty expressed rejection of any recognition of the so-called “Somaliland,” as it constitutes a violation of international law, infringes upon Somali sovereignty and unity, and undermines the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region.
He warned of the consequences of such steps for the security and stability of the region and the Red Sea.
On the issue of water security, Minister Abdelatty expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s message and his valued efforts to strengthen the foundations of peace and stability regionally and internationally. In this context, he emphasized that the Nile River represents an existential necessity for Egyptians, who live under conditions of severe water scarcity. Minister Abdelatty further stressed that Egypt remains committed to clear constants based on serious and constructive cooperation with the Nile Basin countries, in accordance with the principles of international law, and in a manner that achieves common interests without harming any party.
He categorically rejected any unilateral measures on the Nile River as it is a transboundary river.
Regarding developments in Sudan, Minister Abdelatty highlighted the need to respect Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of supporting its national institutions.
In this context, he praised U.S. efforts within the framework of the International Quartet and looked forward to continued cooperation and coordination with the United States to support de-escalation efforts and create conditions for resuming a comprehensive political process in Sudan.
Dr. Abdelatty also briefed his U.S. counterpart on Egypt’s efforts at the regional and international levels to support Sudan.
Concerning the situation in Lebanon, Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed the need for the full and non-selective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the cessation of all Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, and Egypt’s support for the Lebanese state’s efforts in the restriction of arms and the imposition of its authority and sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
For his part, the U.S. Secretary of State praised the strong relations between Egypt and the United States and the mutual benefits achieved through the strategic partnership between the two countries across various fields.
He also valued Egypt’s efforts to support regional security and stability and its role in facilitating the evacuation of citizens from many foreign countries through Egyptian territory for humanitarian considerations.The two ministers agreed to continue close consultation and coordination in the coming period on various regional and international issues of mutual interest, in a way that supports efforts to maintain regional and international peace and stability.
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