Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held a meeting with representatives of American Jewish organisations in New York on September 20. The talks took place on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Abdelatty focused on ongoing developments in the Middle East and reiterated Cairo's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Abdelatty condemned unilateral Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and reiterated Egypt's rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians. He specifically criticised Israeli measures, including settlement expansion, the E1 project, annexation attempts, and efforts to alter the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. These actions, Abdelatty stressed, represent a blatant violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions.
The minister emphasised that Israeli actions undermine the unity and geographical contiguity of Palestinian territory. This, he argued, threatens the prospect of establishing an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Abdelatty demanded an end to these measures to support regional peace efforts and ensure a viable two-state solution.
Abdelatty also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting Egypt's efforts to contain the escalation and reach a ceasefire agreement. He cited Egypt's coordination with international mediators and the convening of last year's peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh as examples of Cairo's commitment to peace. Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Nader Zaki stated that Abdelatty underscored the necessity of implementing the second phase of the agreement.
During the meeting, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's pride in its strategic bilateral relations with the United States. He emphasised a commitment to enhancing joint cooperation mechanisms and building upon the current momentum to achieve mutual interests. The minister also cited the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty as an example of Egypt's strategic choice to promote peace and preserve regional stability.
Abdelatty affirmed that Cairo attaches great importance to settling all regional conflicts through peaceful and political means. The minister's statements reflect Egypt's consistent stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region. The meeting with US Jewish groups provided a platform for Abdelatty to reiterate Egypt's positions and engage with influential stakeholders.
The talks between Abdelatty and US Jewish groups took place against the backdrop of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The minister's participation in the high-level segment underscores Egypt's active engagement in international diplomacy and its commitment to addressing pressing global issues. The meeting also highlights the significance of people-to-people diplomacy in advancing Egypt's foreign policy objectives.
Key points
- Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated Cairo's commitment to a two-state solution.
- Abdelatty condemned Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank.
- Egypt emphasised its strategic bilateral relations with the United States.
