Addressing the opening session of the second ministerial conference of the Khartoum Process in Cairo on Wednesday, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty declared a significant achievement in the nation’s efforts to combat irregular migration. He stated unequivocally that no irregular migrant boats have set out from Egypt’s coasts since the launch of its national migration strategy in 2016.
Minister Abdelatty emphasized that this accomplishment stands as a testament to Egypt’s “strenuous efforts” in tackling this complex issue. His remarks were delivered to a distinguished gathering of ministers and representatives from the 40 member states of the Khartoum Process, including EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, nations from the Horn of Africa and East Africa, as well as the EU and AU Commissions and partner international organizations.
In his address at the conference held in the New Administrative Capital, Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s position as a country of the South that “continues to defend the importance of international cooperation, burden-sharing and promoting development in top sending countries of migrants to address the root causes of migration.” He welcomed participants and reiterated Egypt’s commitment to building upon its achievements during its current presidency of the Khartoum Process.
Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s ongoing work in “providing safe and legal paths to enhance border management” and enacting necessary legislation to effectively manage the migration file. He also highlighted Egypt’s dedication to “building the developing countries’ capabilities with the view to boosting economic development,” stressing the critical need to “step up efforts and continuing work to boost development in Africa.”
Reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to its vital role within the Khartoum Process, Minister Abdelatty described it as a “unique platform for constructive cooperation, exchange of knowledge, and support of the main migration goals.” He noted Egypt’s effective participation within this framework, reflecting its “firm conviction of the importance of engaging in dialogue and promoting mutual understanding, and bearing responsibility.”
Furthermore, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s collaborative efforts with international partners and civil society to “develop legal frameworks to ensure better migration governance.” He emphasized that over the past years, Egypt has “spared no effort in facing irregular migration via adopting a comprehensive approach that successfully combines legal and development measures.”
The Foreign Minister also underlined that Egypt’s priorities are rooted in the five axes of the 2014 joint action plan, including addressing climate change and forced displacement driven by “unsustainable living,” as witnessed in recent months. He affirmed Egypt’s focus on “promoting legal migration pathways, advancing skills mobility, fighting human trafficking and migrant smuggling, honoring human dignity, and shoring up the institutional structure.”
Abdelatty lauded the “great efforts exerted by officials and experts” in drafting the Cairo Declaration and the action plan, recognizing it as a “turning point and a remarkable achievement.” He also highlighted Egypt’s significant role as a host nation to “more than 10 million people, including refugees, migrants and asylum seekers from 133 countries.”
Minister Abdelatty extended a welcome to Sudan for its return to the Khartoum Process after a period of interruption and expressed gratitude to French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, whose country will assume the next presidency.
Concluding his address, Abdelatty expressed optimism about the potential achievements in the second decade of the Khartoum Process, urging continued work with the same “spirit of commitment and organization” to ensure that “no one left behind in Africa or in Europe.” His statement underscored Egypt’s commitment to playing a leading role in fostering a collaborative and effective approach to migration management within the regional framework.
