Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati held a phone call on Thursday with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen to discuss bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.
At the outset of the call, the Dutch minister praised the momentum in Egypt–Netherlands relations across various levels, highlighting the recent communication between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the Dutch Prime Minister on April 21 as a reflection of the shared commitment to strengthening ties and expanding cooperation between the two friendly nations.
For his part, Minister Abdel-Aati said Egypt looks forward to enhancing bilateral relations in all fields. He stressed the importance of capitalising on the promising opportunities to boost economic cooperation and increase Dutch investments in Egypt, particularly in new economic zones and mega national projects. He also underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration on issues of mutual interest, notably migration and water management, while commending Netherlands’ support for Egypt within various European Union institutions.
The call also addressed regional developments, including the ongoing efforts to advance the diplomatic track between the United States and Iran. Minister Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s support for negotiations and stressed the importance of proceeding with the second round of talks to reach understandings that would help solidify ceasefire and bring an end to the conflict. He reviewed Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic efforts and emphasised that dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path to resolving the crisis and preventing further regional instability.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, Minister Badr Abdel-Aati stressed that the current regional escalation should not distract attention from the necessity of completing all commitments of the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan. These include the deployment of an international stabilisation force, ensuring unfettered delivery of humanitarian aid, and initiating early recovery and reconstruction programmes. He also warned of serious developments in the West Bank amid continued Israeli violations, escalating military operations, and expansion of settlement activities.
The discussion also covered the situation in Lebanon. In this respect, Minister Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He called for a complete cessation of Israeli attacks and emphasised the importance of empowering Lebanese national institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces, while welcoming the recently announced ceasefire.
Additionally, Minister Abdel-Aati briefed his Dutch counterpart on Egypt’s position regarding developments in Sudan, stressing the importance of preserving Sudan’s unity, and national institutions. He also voiced support for efforts to achieve a humanitarian truce that could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire.
At the conclusion of the call, the Dutch foreign minister said his country is keen to continue strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. He praised Egypt’s role in supporting regional stability and its efforts to contain current tensions, commending the Egyptian leadership’s prudent handling of ongoing developments.
