Egyptian FM comments on Peace Treaty with Israel after Rafah Border Crossing crisis

CAIRO – 12 May 2024: Commenting on the probable Israeli violations of the Peace Treaty, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry underscored that the document consisted of mechanisms that the parties would resort to in case of violations, and that relevant coordination measures are mainly carried out by the Military Communication Committee.

The minister further noted – during a joint press conference with his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon in Cairo - that the treaty was a strategic choice made by Egypt four decades ago to preserve regional peace and security.  

Minister Fajon stated that she had visited the facilities of the Egyptian Red Crescent in Arish on Saturday, and later, headed to the Rafah Border Crossing where she got shocked because of its closure on the other side for the fifth day in a row.

It is noted that, last week, Israel took over the Palestinian side of the crossing and raised its flag after removing the Palestinian one.

The Slovenian minister said that Gaza had been enduring a famine and that Israel must allow the entry of humanitarian aid, stressing that her country was deploying efforts to accomplish a ceasefire and move towards the two-state solution.

The Egyptian minister hailed Slovenia for its stances on the Palestinian Cause and the Israeli aggression against Gaza Strip at both the United Nations Security Council and the European Union. The country has supported a ceasefire and protection of civilians, as well as rejected the displacement of Palestinians.

Minister Shokry pointed out that the talks also tackled the Russia-Ukraine War as both sides agreed on the necessity of a peaceful settlement.

In another context, the minister noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to recognize the state of Slovenia after independence, adding that the two countries had been in the process of consolidating political, economic, and cultural collaboration.