Cairo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the latest regional developments amid the ongoing escalation and widening conflict in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the two sides agreed to maintain close consultations and coordination on various regional and international issues of mutual concern. This effort aims to support initiatives that safeguard regional and global security and stability.
During the call, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's stance on prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions to prevent the region from entering a broader cycle of conflict and violence, which could have serious consequences for the people and resources of the region. He reiterated Egypt's condemnation and rejection of attacks targeting the Gulf states, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, noting that such actions violate the security and sovereignty of these nations.
The Egyptian foreign minister warned of the dangerous repercussions of continued escalation and conflict expansion, which threaten regional and international peace and security. He highlighted the importance of strengthening regional and international coordination to preserve stability and ensure the security of international navigation.
Regarding developments in the Gaza Strip, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to implementing the second phase of the US President's plan for Gaza. He expressed full support for the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip and the deployment of an international stabilization force to ensure adherence to the ceasefire. These steps are necessary to facilitate early recovery and reconstruction efforts across the Strip, while ensuring the continued flow of humanitarian and relief assistance to all areas of Gaza.
On the Horn of Africa, Abdelatty stressed the importance of preserving the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of both Eritrea and Somalia. He rejected the recognition of "Somaliland," describing it as a violation of international law and Somali sovereignty, warning of its potential repercussions for stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Regarding Lebanon, the Egyptian foreign minister reiterated Egypt's rejection of any violation of Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He stressed the need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the cessation of all Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, reaffirming Egypt's support for the Lebanese state's efforts to extend its authority across all Lebanese territory.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the strong relations between Egypt and the United States and the benefits of their strategic partnership. He also commended Egypt's efforts to support regional security and stability, including facilitating the evacuation of foreign nationals through its territory for humanitarian reasons.