Paris: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty has called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, while rejecting any attempts to annex the West Bank or displace Palestinians from their land. Speaking at a dialogue session hosted by the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI) in Paris, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's constants regarding supporting the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, foremost of which is establishing their independent state on the June 4, 1967 lines with Al Quds (East Jerusalem) as its capital, the foreign ministry said in a statement. This is viewed as the only basis for achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region, he added.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the foreign minister outlined Egypt's efforts to mediate a ceasefire, end the Israeli aggression against Gaza, and facilitate humanitarian and medical aid to the enclave amid the worsening humanitarian situation. He also pointed out Egypt's keenness to train members of the Palestinian security forces to enable them to extend their security control over the Gaza Strip within the framework of Egypt's support for the governance of Gaza.
Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's efforts to support stability in Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, and Libya. He reviewed Egypt's endeavors to broker a ceasefire in Sudan, its rejection of Israeli violations of Syrian and Lebanese sovereignty, as well as its efforts to back a Libyan-led political process, including the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in the country and the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries.
Regarding the Iranian nuclear file, he noted that Egyptian diplomatic efforts have led to the deal recently signed in Cairo between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resume technical cooperation. He emphasized the importance of giving diplomacy a chance to restore confidence and create a supportive climate for achieving regional security and stability.
On Nile water security, the foreign minister affirmed Egypt's opposition to unilateral actions that contravene international law in the Eastern Nile Basin. He vowed that Egypt will take all necessary measures under international law to protect its water security.
Abdelatty also expressed Egypt's full solidarity with Somalia, revealing arrangements for deploying Egyptian troops as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to help restore security and stability to the country.