Egypt's FM warns against unilateral acts on Palestinian Cause during OIC meeting

CAIRO – 23 March 2022: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry said Tuesday that "there is no solution to the Palestinian Cause without establishing the Palestinian State on the borders of June 4, 1967 having as capital Eastern Jerusalem. Hence, Egypt rejects any unilateral measures that would undermine the two-state solution."

That was during his speech at the 48th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in Pakistan. In that context, the minister showcased that the Palestinian Cause was the main reason the OIC was established.

Minister Shokry added that Egypt aspires the OIC would contribute to strengthening the pillars of stability in Muslim-majority countries. On that front, "Egypt reiterates the importance of devising a national peaceful solution in Libya, and the necessity of holding presidential and parliamentary elections in tandem. That is in addition to the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, without exceptions, according to a specific timeline. Also, Egypt renews its support to the 5+5 Joint Military Committee," the minister said.

As for Sudan, Minister Shokry underscored that Egypt is eager on the stability of political and economic circumstances in the neighboring state. "Egypt aims for a purely Sudanese congruence on the administration of the transitional period, without foreign dictations," the minister added.

Egypt equally aspires that "the political process in Syria is pushed forward under the umbrella of the United Nations in alignment with resolution no. 2254 (emphasizing the political solution as the only valid one)," the minister noted.

Similarly, Shokry stipulated the salience of preserving the unity, stability, and sovereignty of Iraq, valuing the country's efforts in combating terrorism. "Egypt also asserts the need for putting an end to foreign interferences with Iraqi affairs," he added.

The minister highlighted that Egypt looks forward to a political solution to the Yemeni crisis in the framework of the Gulf States initiative, international legitimacy resolutions, and outcomes of the national dialogue.

Nevertheless, Shokry stressed Egypt's condemnation of terror attacks launched from Yemeni territories against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.  

In another context, the minister welcomed holding parliamentary elections in Somalia, and encouraged all Somalian parties to abide by the outcomes of such elections and those of the presidential one.

The minister reaffirmed Egypt's backing to the OIC's resolution issued by its extraordinary meeting on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. He added that Egypt also urges guaranteeing that Afghani territories would not turn into a point of departure or a refuge for terrorist organizations.

The minister said that Egypt is keen on supporting the OIC, given it participated in its foundation in 1979. He added that the organization represents the voice of Muslim-majority countries, and that it plays a vital role in helping such states overcome increasing regional and international challenges.  

Minister Shokry noted that the role of women and youth must be enlarged in developmental processes, which requires equipping them with the necessary skills and providing them with the needed support.

In that context, the minister called on members to endorse the executive bill of the recently-launched Islamic Organization for Women, whose headquarters is in Egypt.