Cairo: Egypt and Singapore have issued a warning about the serious repercussions of the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East and the expanding scope of the conflict. Both nations emphasized the importance of de-escalation and the need to focus on diplomatic solutions, advocating for dialogue as the primary path to avoid further instability.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the remarks were made during a phone call between Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan. During the call, they condemned Iranian attacks targeting Gulf countries, asserting that such actions are unjustifiable.
Abdelatty highlighted the direct impact of the current escalation on international maritime security and the stability of global supply chains. He noted that rising tensions pose unprecedented challenges to global trade, particularly with threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy transport. He explained that these developments directly lead to increased shipping and insurance costs and disrupt the flow of essential commodities, including oil, gas, food, and fertilizers, exacerbating pressures on economies, especially in developing nations.
The minister also addressed developments in the Red Sea, emphasizing that any threat to navigation security there has implications beyond regional countries, affecting the global economy. He underscored the need to enhance and safeguard maritime security in the Red Sea, ensuring it remains a stable passage serving all nations.
Balakrishnan expressed Singapore's appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role in securing navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, thereby supporting the stability of global trade flows.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khallaf stated that the two ministers also discussed regional developments and ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Abdelatty expressed appreciation for the strong relations between Egypt and Singapore, expressing a desire to further advance cooperation across various fields, reflecting the depth of ties, especially as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
He emphasized the importance of activating bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly in economic, trade, and investment fields, as well as boosting private sector cooperation. He also mentioned the outcomes of the Singaporean president's visit to Egypt in September 2025, which resulted in several agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Abdelatty voiced hope to enhance Singaporean investments in Egypt in key sectors, including logistics, technology, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical active ingredients, and modern financial systems, along with waste recycling and renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen and solar power. He further stressed the importance of joint efforts to strengthen connectivity between Egyptian and Singaporean ports and support their digitalization, contributing to increased access of Egyptian exports to the Singaporean and broader Asian markets.