Ljubljana: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty has underscored the need for assuming responsibility by the international community, particularly the European Union, to exert pressure on Israel to lift restrictions imposed on the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and respond positively to the proposed ceasefire initiative without putting excessive preconditions.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister's remarks came during a meeting with Tanja Fajon, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his visit to Slovenia to participate in the 20th Bled Strategic Forum. The meeting discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and exchange views on key regional issues of mutual concern.

Abdelatty praised the strong Egyptian-Slovenian relations, highlighting their special nature, especially considering Egypt's early recognition of Slovenia's independence. He also voiced keenness to deepen their partnership, particularly in light of the outcomes of the second session of the Joint Economic Committee, hosted in Ljubljana last year.

The ministers discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip, as Abdelatty reviewed the catastrophic humanitarian situation, which has reached the level of famine. Abdelatty stressed that the continuation of Israeli aggression, the expansion of military operations, and ongoing settlement and displacement policies would only undermine prospects for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

He called for unified regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire with unconditional and full access for humanitarian, relief, and medical aid. He praised Slovenia's supportive stance on Palestinian rights, especially its official recognition of the State of Palestine, highlighting Slovenian humanitarian initiatives, including receiving injured children from Gaza and providing the necessary medical care to them.

Abdelatty also pointed to the important role Slovenia can play within the EU to support legitimate Palestinian rights and mobilize European support for the Palestinian cause. At the end of the meeting, both sides affirmed their commitment to maintaining bilateral coordination, especially in light of Slovenia's non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council, to contribute to regional and international stability.