President condemns attacks on Arab states, urges de-escalation and diplomatic engagement
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi participated via video conference on Monday in an emergency meeting convened by the European Union to discuss the latest regional developments.
The meeting brought together leaders and officials from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states, as well as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
European participants included the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
According to the Egyptian Presidency’s Spokesman, Mohamed El-Shennawy, the leaders emphasised the need to halt escalation and work toward a peaceful settlement to restore stability in the Middle East.
They condemned the attacks targeting Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq, and stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity.
Discussions also addressed the economic and humanitarian repercussions of the crisis and ways to strengthen coordination between the EU and regional countries to contain tensions and prioritise political solutions.
Participants highlighted support for Lebanon in ensuring that arms remain solely under state authority, as well as the need to safeguard energy routes, supply chains, and maritime navigation.
During the meeting, President Sisi made remarks outlining Egypt’s firm stance and ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and preserve regional stability.
“I stress our steadfast position in support of our fellow Arab states and their security, and the necessity of respecting their sovereignty, protecting their resources and safeguarding the security of their peoples,” Sisi said.
“Egypt strongly condemns all forms of attacks against the Gulf states, Jordan and Iraq, and calls for the immediate cessation of such acts, full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians,” he added.
Egypt had warned since the outset of the dangers of allowing crises in the Middle East to persist without sustainable political and peaceful solutions,he noted.
“Egypt has repeatedly called for a Middle East free of nuclear weapons,” Sisi said.
“This stems from our firm conviction regarding the grave risks of nuclear proliferation to the security and safety of the peoples of the region, and the need for the comprehensive implementation of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime in accordance with international legitimacy and the principles of the United Nations.”
Sisi noted that Egypt has made sustained diplomatic efforts in recent months to reduce tensions and encourage a return to diplomacy, including efforts related to the Iranian nuclear issue.
The Egyptian president also warned against the expansion of the conflict, noting that the current escalation carries unprecedented economic consequences affecting global energy security, maritime routes, supply chains and international trade, particularly impacting developing countries.
Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any violation of Arabs’ sovereignty.
“The national security of Arab states is an integral part of Egypt’s national security,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of restraint, dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the only viable path to resolving regional crises and ensuring long-term stability.
