Washington D.C.: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently visited Washington D.C. to address regional security concerns and enhance Egyptian-American relations. During his visit, Abdelatty engaged with key figures, including representatives from a US think tank and a senator.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty’s visit included a meeting on February 10 with leaders and senior researchers at the Hudson Institute, an American think tank. He was received by the institute’s president, John Walters. Discussions encompassed various topics, focusing on Egyptian-American relations and regional developments impacting the Middle East’s stability.
Abdelatty underscored the strategic importance of the partnership between Egypt and the United States in maintaining regional security and stability. He highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation in political, security, military, and economic areas, advocating for increased trade, economic cooperation, and investment between the two nations. He noted Egypt’s economic reforms and efforts to attract foreign investment.
The talks at the Hudson Institute also addressed developments in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, including the situations in Gaza, Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. Topics such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Red Sea maritime security, and challenges of terrorism and extremism were discussed. Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s stance on these issues, stressing the Palestinian question. He detailed Egypt’s efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, ensure humanitarian aid delivery, and support early recovery and reconstruction while upholding Palestinians’ rights to remain on their land.
Regarding Sudan, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for Sudanese state institutions, a ceasefire, and respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. On Syria, he emphasized the importance of respecting Syria’s unity and territorial integrity and the need for an inclusive political process to enable Syria to contribute to regional stability. Concerning the GERD issue, Abdelatty stressed that water security is a top priority for Egypt’s national security and that Egypt is committed to a legally binding framework for Nile River cooperation based on international law.
Earlier, on February 9, Abdelatty met with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s efforts to support Middle East security and stability, noting the central role of the Egyptian-American partnership and joint cooperation.
The meeting with Senator Van Hollen included a detailed discussion on the latest Palestinian issue developments. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s efforts to implement and sustain the Gaza ceasefire agreement, expedite humanitarian aid, and initiate early recovery and reconstruction efforts within a defined timeframe, ensuring Palestinians are not displaced from their land. He underscored the unified Arab stance against forced Palestinian displacement and stressed the importance of creating a political path for the Palestinian issue, leading to an independent Palestinian state and the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Abdelatty’s meetings in Washington D.C. demonstrated Egypt’s commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations with the United States and working towards regional stability through dialogue and cooperation, according to the Minister’s office.