Egyptian deputy FM urges coordination between Arab states, SIDS amid global polarization

CAIRO – 13 June 2023: Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Hamdy Loza underlined that the current political and economic polarization on the global level mandates consultation and coordination between Arab countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to maintain freedom of navigation, maritime security, security of supply chains, and marine biodiversity.

That was during his speech at the second ministerial meeting comprising member states of the Arab League and Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Monday.  

Ambassador Loza noted that Egypt had been keen on closely consulting with SIDS during the preparation for COP 27 it hosted in Sharm El Sheikh, which contributed in the historic achievement of founding the loss and damage fund.

In another context, the diplomat asked SIDS to support the rights of the Palestinian people, and that are aligned with international law and the principles of the United Nations.