Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati affirmed that Egypt believes preventive diplomacy is one of the most important tools for maintaining security and stability.
He stressed that its success requires adopting a comprehensive approach based on supporting national state institutions, promoting economic and social development, building peace, and addressing the root causes of conflicts in order to prevent their outbreak or recurrence.
Abdel-Aati made the remarks in a speech delivered on Friday during his participation in the High-Level Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation in Southeast Asia (TAC), held in Manila, Philippines.
The minister said Egypt’s participation in the conference reflects the country’s foreign policy approach of strengthening engagement with influential regional groupings, particularly ASEAN, and enhancing relations with Southeast Asian countries.
He noted that such engagement contributes to expanding areas of political, economic and developmental co-operation, while enhancing coordination and consultations on regional and international issues of common interest, in light of ASEAN’s growing role in supporting security, stability and development.
During his address, Abdel-Aati outlined Egypt’s vision on ways to advance preventive diplomacy and prevent conflicts, noting that the world is facing growing challenges amid escalating crises and conflicts and their increasingly interconnected dimensions.
He stressed the need to strengthen joint international efforts to address the root causes of conflicts and mitigate their repercussions, which are no longer confined to the countries where they occur but increasingly affect international peace and security, economic stability and development efforts, particularly in developing countries.
The foreign minister highlighted the importance of bolstering multilateral action and supporting the role of the United Nations and regional organisations, including the African Union, the League of Arab States and ASEAN, in enhancing the international community’s ability to respond to shared challenges while taking into account the priorities and needs of countries of the Global South.
He also underscored the need to continue efforts to reform the international financial system and increase investments in development, infrastructure and basic services, describing them as key elements in promoting stability and addressing the drivers of conflict.
Abdel-Aati pointed to the importance of strengthening international co-operation in confronting cross-border challenges, particularly terrorism and organised crime, through respect for state sovereignty, enhanced information exchange and cutting off terrorist financing sources.
He added that supporting peace-building and national reconciliation efforts, while promoting a culture of dialogue and tolerance, would contribute to boosting societal stability and protecting communities from the risks of extremism and violence.
The minister concluded his remarks by affirming that investing in preventive diplomacy, enhancing multilateral co-operation and promoting values of moderation and tolerance through religious institutions and responsible media represent essential pillars for building a more stable international order capable of addressing current challenges, achieving international peace and security, and supporting sustainable development.
