Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati received on Tuesday UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Stephen Doughty, for talks on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key regional and international developments.
Minister Abdel-Aati congratulated Doughty on assuming his new post, stressing the importance of maintaining close consultation and coordination between Egypt and the UK on bilateral issues as well as matters of shared regional and international concern.
The two ministers also discussed ways to expand economic, trade and investment ties, building on the growing momentum in bilateral relations, particularly following the third session of the Egyptian-British Partnership Council held in June.
The foreign minister underscored the importance of increasing access for Egyptian exports to the UK market, boosting bilateral trade and encouraging greater British investment in Egypt.
The two sides signed a Declaration of Intent between Egypt and the UK on migration. Abdel-Aati said the agreement should provide a new framework for enhanced co-operation, stressing that addressing irregular migration requires a comprehensive approach combining action against criminal networks and human trafficking with efforts to tackle the root causes of migration, promote development and employment, and expand legal migration pathways.
On regional issues, the two ministers discussed developments in Gaza and the West Bank. They condemned recent remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and encouraging their displacement from the Strip and the expansion of Israeli settlements. Abdel-Aati stressed that such inflammatory statements violate international law and humanitarian values, fuel tensions and undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability.
Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s support for US President Donald Trump’s peace plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, while rejecting Israel’s settlement expansion, settler violence and land seizures in the West Bank. He called for a firm international response to these practices and stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian Authority.
The talks also addressed developments involving Iran, with minister Abdel-Aati emphasising the need to prioritise diplomacy, dialogue and mediation efforts while avoiding military escalation. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding the security and freedom of international navigation in accordance with international law, given the potential impact of regional tensions on energy security, supply chains and global trade.
Regarding Sudan, Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity and national institutions, calling for a political settlement that safeguards the interests of the Sudanese people and continued international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
