Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty held a high-level, expanded meeting in London with British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell. This took place at the start of an important official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership. They also discussed the major security and economic challenges facing the region and the world.
Minister Abdel-Aty began the meeting by emphasizing the great importance Cairo attaches to developing and diversifying its relations with the United Kingdom across all political, economic, and investment fields. He commended the remarkable progress in bilateral relations and stressed the need to translate this progress into a tangible increase in British direct investment in Egyptian markets to support development. He affirmed the necessity of elevating joint coordination to broader horizons that serve the interests of both friendly nations.
De-escalation of the energy corridor… and support for US-Iranian negotiations
The meeting witnessed an in-depth exchange of security views and assessments, with Minister Abdel-Aty briefing the British official on the latest developments in Egyptian efforts to de-escalate tensions on the various fronts.
The Minister affirmed Egypt’s full support for the current negotiating track between the United States and Iran, considering it the best way to reduce regional tensions. He also stressed the importance of promoting diplomatic solutions and avoiding the brink of war and the dire consequences of military escalation.
The meeting witnessed an in-depth exchange of security views and assessments, with Minister Abdel-Aty briefing the British official on the latest developments in Egyptian efforts to de-escalate tensions on the various fronts.
The Minister affirmed Egypt’s full support for the current negotiating track between the United States and Iran, considering it the best way to reduce regional tensions. He also stressed the importance of promoting diplomatic solutions and avoiding the brink of war and the dire consequences of military escalation.
Gaza and the West Bank: An international force for stability and a rejection of violations
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Abdel-Aati welcomed the historic British stance of recognizing the State of Palestine and officially opening its embassy in London. He called for concerted international efforts to ensure the implementation of the first phase of the US president’s peace plan and to move to the second phase.
In a practical step, the Egyptian minister stressed the importance of the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip immediately commencing its administrative duties from within the Strip. He also emphasized the need for the swift deployment of the international stabilization force there, while ensuring the unimpeded flow of urgent humanitarian and medical aid without any Israeli obstruction, in order to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe. Furthermore, he reiterated Egypt’s complete condemnation and categorical rejection of the ongoing Israeli violations in the cities of the occupied West Bank, warning of their disastrous consequences for regional security.
Hot topics: Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan
The two sides concluded their discussions by addressing the situations in Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan, in addition to the Horn of Africa. Minister Abdel-Aati reiterated the constants of Egyptian diplomatic doctrine, which are based on supporting the unity of states, their territorial integrity, and the preservation of their national sovereignty. He also emphasized support for legitimate institutions in achieving security for their people. Finally, both sides agreed to continue high-level political consultations in the coming period.
