Egypt reaffirms support for Palestinians’ legitimate rights to establish independent state on 1967 borders

CAIRO – 15 February 2021: Over a phone call with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed Egypt's strong stance towards the Palestinian issue and its support for the Palestinians’ legitimate rights to the establishment of their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, based on the principle of the two-state solution and in accordance with international legitimacy decisions.

 

In a statement by Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Hafez, Shoukry congratulated Wennesland on assuming the position, wishing him success in his new mission. On December 12, 2020, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed  Tor Wennesland of Norway as his new Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority.  In this capacity, Mr. Wennesland will be the Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Quartet. 

 

Both sides have tackled the ways of reviving the peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis, with consultations of regional and international partners through several ways such as the emergency meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States held at the ministerial level last week.

 

Mr. Wennesland expressed his aspiration to work and coordinate with Cairo on the peace process during the coming period and to achieve the required breakthrough in the peace process. 

 

The UN Coordinator also stressed the importance of Egypt's role in supporting a lasting, just, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue and achieving the desired peace in the region. Wennesland also praised Egypt's continuous efforts in healing the Palestinian rift and achieve national reconciliation.