CAIRO – Egyptian Foreign and Emigration Minister Badr Abdelatty participated on Monday in the opening session of the 10th edition of the MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference.
The conference – promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and the Institute for International Policy Studies (ISPI) – was officially opened on Monday, with a speech by Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Antonio Tajani and ISPI President Franco Bruni.
In statements, the Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Tamim Khallaf said that Abdelatty gave a speech at the conference’s opening session, in which he underlined that the conference is being held during a critical stage.
He also highlighted that the Mediterranean countries are facing serious security and political challenges, particularly in light of the real threat to peace and security in the Middle East region as a result of the year-long aggression against the Gaza Strip, and the blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Minister Abdelatty also posted the conferees on the Egyptian position that is based on the necessity of reaching an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, the release of hostages and detainees, and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.
In his speech, Abdelatty also stressed the importance of the transition to finding a political horizon to implement the two-state solution, noting that Cairo will host a “Call for Action” conference to strengthen the humanitarian response in Gaza. The conference will be held on December 2.
The Mediterranean region has significant economic potential that should be utilised within the framework of a real partnership between the Mediterranean countries with the view to achieving mutual interests, he added.
Abdelatty touched on the unresolved issue of migration, stressing Egypt’s full commitment to combating illegal migration within the framework of a comprehensive approach that addresses its root causes.
He also underlined the importance of including the development dimension in examining this issue, and enhancing regular migration pathways.
Abdelatty was also keen on addressing the promising opportunities provided by the energy sector and joint cooperation between Mediterranean countries, with regard to traditional energy sources and renewable, clean and green sources; such as green hydrogen.
He also underlined the available opportunities for electrical connection, reviewing Egypt’s capabilities in this vital sector, in terms of infrastructure or natural resources.
In his speech, he also touched on the situation in the Red Sea and the current escalation that affects international ship traffic and the Egyptian economy and the decline in revenues from the Suez Canal.
He further stressed the necessity of dealing with this issue through a comprehensive approach, taking into account stopping the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon.
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