Egypt calls for political solution to Ukrainian-Russian crisis

CAIRO: 26 October 2024: Egypt called for working to reach a political solution to the Ukrainian-Russian crisis, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, who is paying an official visit to Egypt.

The Foreign Minister continued: “We stressed the importance of strengthening scientific, cultural and educational cooperation with Ukraine.”

Abdelatty said that Egypt is Ukraine's first trading partner in Africa and the Middle East. He continued: "We stressed the importance of strengthening scientific, cultural and educational cooperation with Ukraine."

“We expect the volume of trade with Ukraine to reach $2 billion,” he added. 

Abdelatty also discussed the water issue in Egypt and the conflict with Ethiopia over the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. He said:  “The issue of water is existential for Egypt, and we will not compromise on preserving our rights.”

The Egyptian Minister also said that he discussed with the Ukrainian counterpart the situation in the region, adding: "We stressed the need to stop the aggression on Gaza and deliver aid to the Strip."

“Egypt condemns all forms of escalation that could lead to a comprehensive war in the region,” Abdelatty said, continuing "We discussed regional files, including the catastrophic conditions in the Middle East as a result of the Israeli aggression."

Today, the two Ministers witnessed the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the diplomatic institutes of the two countries, which aims to enhance cooperation in the field of diplomatic training.