CAIRO – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed their shared firm rejection of Israeli Ministerial Council’s decision to draw up a plan to reoccupy the Gaza Strip and expand ongoing aggression, in an attempt to entrench illegal occupation of Palestinian territories, continue genocide against defenseless Palestinian people, undermine their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state, in blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
During a phone call between the two ministers Wednesday, as part of regular consultation and coordination between Egypt and Saudi Arabia and in follow-up to regional files – foremost the situation in Gaza – the two sides took up closed bilateral relations, praising steadily developing ties at all levels.
The ministers affirmed their keenness on pressing ahead with efforts meant to enhance joint cooperation in a way that meets aspirations of the two brotherly peoples for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.
They also discussed political and security developments in the region and several pressing regional issues, including the catastrophic situation in Gaza amid the ongoing brutal Israeli aggression.
The Egyptian foreign minister outlined Egypt’s ongoing efforts, in coordination with the US and Qatar to reach a deal ensuring release of hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners, ending the bloodshed of Palestinians and guaranteeing full and unconditional access for humanitarian aid.
They also agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire agreement and unhindered access of urgent humanitarian, relief and medical aid, as well as an immediate end to the policy of starvation and systematic killing fueling conflict and exacerbating extremism.
Meantime, the two ministers stressed the need to protect civilians, enable Palestinian people to exercise their inherent right to self-determination and to establish their independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with Al-Quds (East Jerusalem) as its capital.
The call also touched on the overall regional situation, with the two sides exchanging views on ways to address current challenges and ongoing crises in Sudan, Syria and Lebanon.
They agreed to maintain close coordination, emphasizing the importance of joint Arab coordination on these issues to support pillars of regional security and stability.
