Cairo, Egypt – Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriate Affairs, continued intensive consultations over the past two days with a number of senior regional and international officials, under the directives of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. These efforts are part of Egypt’s endeavors to de-escalate tensions and contain the rising conflict in the region. The consultations included Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, and Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman. They also included Abbas Araqchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and Steve Wittkopf, the US Special Envoy for the Middle East.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions addressed the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions. The statement also covered developments regarding the planned meeting between the United States and Iran in the Sultanate of Oman. Minister Abdel-Aty commended the initial agreement to hold this meeting, considering it a significant development that Egypt has long sought to achieve. This comes as a result of tireless diplomatic efforts and a series of intensive contacts that have taken place over the past few weeks. These contacts aimed to create a conducive atmosphere for the meeting. The Foreign Minister emphasized the paramount importance of reaching a peaceful and consensual settlement between the United States and Iran. This settlement must address the concerns of all parties based on mutual respect and shared benefit. Such a settlement would help avert the specter of war in the region. In this context, he stressed the necessity of overcoming differences during this critical phase. This would contribute to preserving regional security and fulfilling the aspirations of the region’s peoples for stability and development.
Minister Abdel-Aty also expressed his hope that the upcoming meeting would lead to a reduction in tensions and escalation in the region. He affirmed that this would contribute to advancing diplomatic and political solutions. This hope is based on the President’s vision, which emphasizes that there are no military solutions to the crises and challenges facing the region. The President believes that the political and diplomatic path is the only way to guarantee the security and stability of the region and avoid sliding into a state of insecurity and instability. In closing, the Foreign Minister affirmed that Egypt will continue its contacts and sincere efforts with regional partners and with both the American and Iranian sides. These efforts aim to support diplomatic and political tracks aimed at achieving de-escalation and stability in the region.
