New delhi: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty met with representatives of leading Indian newspapers and international news agencies during his official visit to New Delhi. The minister's media engagements aimed at outlining Egypt's positions on key regional and international developments and underlining Egypt's ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty reviewed the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit held on October 13, as well as Egypt's efforts, in coordination with the United States and regional partners, to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. He stressed the importance of full implementation of the agreement by all parties to help consolidate the ceasefire and foster regional stability. The minister also discussed Egypt's position regarding security arrangements and governance in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure the flow of humanitarian and relief aid, and preparations for the Early Recovery and Reconstruction Conference, which Egypt intends to host in November.
Abdelatty underscored the repercussions of regional instability over the past two years on maritime navigation in the Suez Canal, pointing out significant losses in canal revenues due to recent regional tensions. On bilateral relations, he highlighted the growing cooperation between Egypt and India in trade, economic development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the defense industry. He praised the notable momentum in bilateral ties and presented Egypt's comprehensive approach and successful experience in counterterrorism.
Turning to BRICS, the foreign minister affirmed Egypt's view of the grouping as a platform for enhanced economic cooperation among member states. He noted ongoing consultations with India in light of its upcoming presidency of the bloc, expressing Cairo's interest in collaborating on several initiatives, including artificial intelligence and startup ecosystems. Abdelatty also reiterated Egypt's interest in joining the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, citing the country's strategic geographic location and its advanced port and transport infrastructure.