Egyptian FM criticizes non-commitment to nuclear disarmament

CAIRO – 26 February 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry criticized Monday nuclear powers for not dismantling their nuclear arsenals in violation of the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, which stemmed from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

The minister made the statements at the 2024 Conference on Disarmament High Level Segment held in Geneva. He stressed that the world is experiencing growing security challenges, which dictate a strong political willpower and effective mechanisms.  

The Egyptian minister criticized nuclear countries for not abiding by Article 6 of the NPT on nuclear disarmament in addition to vertically and horizontally expanding their arsenals of those weapons, further strengthening their unjustified privilege.

Minister Shokry condemned implicit threats to use nuclear weapons against the Palestinian people. In that context, he underscored the importance of restoring and reinforcing the pillars of stability in the Middle East.  

The minister equally stipulated that the three major signatories of the NPT – which are the United Kingdom, the United States and Russia – must commit to their obligation to not providing or helping other states acquire nuclear weapons. He also noted that the tensions among nuclear countries on the strategic level make it crucial to draft a legally binding agreement on not using or even threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries.

Speaking of Gaza War, the Egyptian minister urged an immediate end to the Israeli aggression against Palestinians, long-term ceasefire, and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians. He equally reiterated Egypt's rejection to attempts aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians, underlining their right in an independent state - on the borders of June 4, 1967 - having as capital Eastern Jerusalem.