Latest regional developments and de-escalation efforts were the core of phone calls, which Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Co-operation and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdel-Aati, received on Tuesday from counterparts of Australia Penny Wong, Japan Takeshi Iwaya, and Portugal Paulo Rangel.
The calls also addressed ways to enhance bilateral ties across various fields, particularly trade and investment, thereby contributing to the achievement of shared interests and taking economic cooperation to new heights, a statement on the Egyptian foreign ministry website stated.
With regard to regional developments, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Japan and Portugal voiced deep appreciation for the intensive efforts of the Egyptian leadership to contain the dangerous escalation in the region and to support the diplomatic track.
They also affirmed their full support for Cairo’s sincere efforts to defuse tensions and prevent the situation from deteriorating further, in light of the expected far-reaching economic repercussions of the ongoing war on freedom of navigation, global trade, supply chains, food security and energy security.
Minister Abdel-Aati outlined Egypt’s strenuous efforts, in coordination with regional partners, to contain the military escalation in the region.
In addition, the Egyptian top diplomat discussed the proposals put forward to achieve a de-escalation and reach a breakthrough.
He also highlighted the sensitivity of the current phase, which requires the concerted efforts of all regional and international actors at this critical juncture to prevent the situation from escalating in a manner that would have extremely serious repercussions for the security and stability of the region.
The foreign ministers exchanged views and assessments on several other regional issues, including the developments in the Palestinian territories.
Abdel-Aati highlighted Egypt’s efforts to restore security and stability in Gaza, provide humanitarian and medical aid, and support the international stabilisation force. He also emphasised unequivocal condemnation of Israeli annexation and settlement policies in the West Bank, and the violations affecting the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.
