Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates, held a phone call with the United States Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio, addressing the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States.
The two sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the region in light of the current escalation and the widening scope of the conflict.
They also exchanged views on a number of other regional issues, most notably the developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Sudan and the Horn of Africa, as well as Egyptian water security.
The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, said that the two ministers discussed the latest regional developments in light of the dangerous escalation in the region.
Minister Abdellaty emphasized Egypt's position calling for prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions to prevent the region from sliding into a vicious cycle of conflict and violence that would have dire consequences for all the peoples and resources of the region.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Egypt's condemnation and complete rejection of the targeting of the Gulf States, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, stressing that there is no justification or pretext for these attacks on the security and sovereignty of brotherly and friendly nations.
Abdellaty warned of the catastrophic and dangerous repercussions of the continued cycle of violence and the widening scope of the conflict, which threatens regional and international peace and security. He emphasized the importance of intensifying regional and international coordination to maintain the stability of the region and protect the security of international navigation.
The call also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip in light of the first meeting of the Peace Council in Washington on February 19.
Minister Abdellaty affirmed Egypt's commitment to expediting the implementation of the requirements of the second phase of the US President's plan, providing full support to the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip, and deploying the International Stabilization Force to ensure adherence to the ceasefire. This is considered a necessary step to pave the way for early recovery and reconstruction efforts throughout the Strip, while emphasizing the importance of the continued flow of humanitarian and relief aid to all areas of the Strip.
The call also addressed the situation in the Horn of Africa, where Abdelatty stressed the importance of preserving the security, sovereignty, and stability of both Eritrea and Somalia, as well as their territorial integrity. He rejected any recognition of the so-called "Somaliland," which he deemed a violation of international law, an infringement on Somali sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. He warned of the repercussions of such actions on the security and stability of the region and the Red Sea.
Regarding the issue of water security, Minister Abdellaty expressed his appreciation for the message from His Excellency President Donald Trump and his commendable efforts to consolidate peace and stability regionally and internationally.
He emphasized that the Nile River is the lifeblood of the Egyptian people, who are living under severe water scarcity. He also stressed that Egypt adheres to clear principles 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.
Abdellaty categorically rejected any unilateral actions concerning the Nile River, considering it a transboundary river. Regarding developments in Sudan, the Foreign Minister stressed the need to respect Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of supporting its national institutions.
He commended the US efforts within the framework of the Quartet, expressing his hope for continued cooperation and coordination with the United States to contribute to de-escalation efforts and create a conducive environment for resuming the comprehensive political process in Sudan. Abdelatty also briefed his American counterpart on Egypt's regional and international initiatives to support Sudan.
Concerning the situation in Lebanon, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's rejection of any infringement upon Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He stressed the necessity of 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 to consolidate its control over weapons and extend its authority and sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
For his part, the US Secretary of State praised the strong relations between Egypt and the United States, and the mutual benefits achieved by the strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields.
Rubio also commended Egypt's efforts to support security and stability in the region and its contribution to the evacuation of citizens of several foreign countries through Egyptian territory for humanitarian reasons.
The ministers agreed to continue close consultations and coordination in the coming period regarding various regional and international issues of common interest, in order to support efforts to maintain regional and international security and stability.
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