Egyptian, Saudi FMs tackle Arab-Islamic efforts to reach ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO – 19 August 2024: During his current visit to Riyadh, the Saudi capital, Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, held a discussion session with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Director of the Public Diplomacy Department, reported that Minister Abdelatty emphasized the depth and significance of Egyptian-Saudi strategic relations and their shared destiny, particularly in the face of regional challenges. He highlighted the alignment of Cairo and Riyadh on regional issues.

The official spokesman noted that Minister Abdelatty praised the swift establishment of the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This council is expected to provide a framework for developing and advancing various aspects of bilateral relations.

Minister Abdelatty also expressed Egypt's eagerness to resume the political consultation mechanism between the two countries at the foreign ministers' level and to restart periodic meetings at the senior officials' level to discuss regional issues of mutual interest.

Additionally, the two ministers exchanged views on the efforts of the Arab-Islamic Committee regarding the Gaza Strip crisis. They discussed mobilizing international support for the Palestinian cause, seeking a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitating the exchange of prisoners and detainees, and providing humanitarian aid. Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s position against any displacement of the Palestinian people or the liquidation of the Palestinian cause, stressing the need for Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.

Minister Abdelatty also reviewed Egypt's efforts with regional and international partners to prevent the escalation of conflict, maintain security and stability, and avoid a cycle of violence.

Ambassador Abu Zeid further stated that the two foreign ministers addressed several regional issues, including the Syrian crisis. They agreed on the importance of continuing the work of the Arab Ministerial Contact Committee on Syria and considered scheduling the committee's next meeting promptly.

They also discussed the Sudanese crisis, emphasizing the need to halt ongoing conflicts, preserve Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, reject foreign interference, and safeguard its national institutions. The situation in the Horn of Africa, developments in Yemen, and Red Sea security were also covered.

The spokesman concluded by noting that the talks between the Egyptian and Saudi officials highlighted their aligned positions and visions on regional challenges, their shared commitment to enhancing Arab solidarity, and their joint political will to advance their strategic relationship for the benefit of both peoples.