Cairo: Egypt is actively working to mediate a resolution between the United States and Iran, aiming to end the ongoing war and prevent the conflict from escalating regionally. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty emphasized the nation's commitment to diplomatic efforts during a recent statement.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty highlighted that Egypt is striving to facilitate a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. This initiative seeks not only to halt the war but also to uphold international law principles, including the freedom of navigation. Abdelatty underscored Egypt's rejection of any attempts by nations to disrupt maritime routes.
In a joint press conference with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed, Abdelatty addressed concerns about the potential for the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US to extend to critical regions such as the Strait of Bab el Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa. These areas are of significant interest to regional and international players due to their strategic importance.
Egypt's foreign minister declared that the country is collaborating closely with Saudi Arabia and nations bordering the Red Sea, such as Eritrea, Sudan, Jordan, Somalia, and Yemen, to maintain security and stability in the Red Sea, Bab el Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Abdelatty also noted Egypt's focus on tackling the underlying causes of instability, particularly in Yemen, advocating for a comprehensive political process to resolve the crisis and foster regional peace.
In discussing proposals for enhanced cooperation among Red Sea countries, similar to the Union for the Mediterranean, Abdelatty stated that current efforts are directed toward activating the Council of Arab and African Coastal States of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Daily coordination with Saudi Arabia and other member states is ongoing to expedite the council's activation and solidify its role, emphasizing its importance as the primary framework for promoting regional security, stability, and cooperation.