Egyptian, UK FMs discuss rapid & dangerous developments in Lebanon

CAIRO – Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty had a phone call on Monday with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the rapid and dangerous developments in Lebanon.

This falls within the framework of the contacts that Egypt is conducting to stop the dangerous escalation in the region, particularly in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, and to prevent the region from sliding into an all-out war.

In statements on Monday, Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Tamim Khallaf said that the foreign minister stressed the danger of the Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanon, asserting Egypt’s total rejection of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty.

He also underlined the pressing necessity of achieving a ceasefire and stepping up international efforts to contain the situation and stop the serious escalation on the part of Israel.

Abdelatty stressed the importance of empowering the Lebanese Army to ensure Lebanon’s stability during the current critical stage.

He also called for implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006), with all its elements by all parties.

During the phone call, the two sides discussed the presidential vacancy in Lebanon, stressing the importance of supporting Lebanon to end this stage and elect a president for the country.

Abdelatty also condemned the continued Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, stressing the importance of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.

He also called for ratcheting up pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the Strip, citing the obstacles imposed by the Israeli side in this regard.

He stressed Egypt’s position rejecting the continued Israeli military presence in the Philadelphia Route and the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.

The two top diplomats also took up bilateral ties. 

They agreed on holding the second session of the Egyptian-British Partnership Council to work on enhancing strategic ties between the two countries, exploring new frameworks to boost economic and trade cooperation to allow the access of Egyptian exports to Britain, and lure more British investments into Egypt, particularly in light of the effective measures and reforms taken by the Egyptian government to improve the investment and business environment and encourage the private sector and foreign companies to invest in Egypt.