Egyptian, Swedish FMs discuss war on Gaza, bilateral relations

CAIRO - 27 May 2024: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with his Swedish counterpart Tobias Billstrom to strengthen bilateral relations and the war on Gaza.

On the sidelines of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, the two ministers exchanged assessments on the humanitarian and security dimensions of the war. 

Shoukry emphasized the danger of Israel’s persistence to continue its war in Gaza and escalatory practices in the West Bank on security and stability of the region.

He urged concerted international efforts to pressure Israel to stop the war and its military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah, as well as to stop obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid into the strip.

The minister added that Israel’s control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah land crossing is an attempt to exploit the crossing as a tool to tighten the siege and starvation policy on the Palestinians.

Egypt’s top diplomat highlighted Egypt’s commitment to reaching ceasefire by cooperating with all concerned parties and mediating negotiations. 

However, Israel is expanding the scope of its military operations in Rafah to include the camps overcrowded with civilians will result in one of the largest genocides against civilians in the 21st  century, which is a disgrace to the international legal system, Shourky continued.

Holding Israel accountable for its violations of its legal obligations within the framework of international humanitarian law is a necessity, he said.

The two diplomats discussed pathways to a two-state solution, and enabling the Palestinian people to establish their independent, viable state on the borders of June 4, 1967. Shoukry also highlighted the importance of European countries taking positive steps, such as those taken by Spain, Ireland and Norway, by recognizing the Palestinian state in support of the two-state solution.

The Swedish Foreign Minister praised Egypt's role in supporting the stability of the region and its wise handling of Gaza crisis. Billstrom also underscored his country's demand for Israel to open all crossings to deliver the largest amount of urgent humanitarian aid to contain the catastrophic health and humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Bilaterally, the ministers also discussed deepening economic relations, especially in the field of renewable energy, communications, information technology, and digital services, reviewing the possibilities available for investment in Egypt in these sectors. 

Shoukry said he looks forward to the participation of major Swedish companies in the joint investment conference between Egypt and the European Union scheduled to be held in Egypt on June 29 and 30, with the aim of attracting European investments to Egypt in various sectors, especially renewable and clean energy.