Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. These meetings took place on Sunday and Monday, September 20-21, 2026, and focused on addressing pressing regional issues. Abdelatty met with various global leaders, including EU, UN, humanitarian, and US-based organizations. The goal of these meetings was to promote de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts.
During a meeting with Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, Abdelatty emphasized the importance of de-escalating tensions and returning to the political track. This approach aims to enhance regional security and stability. Both sides also discussed ways to advance cooperation between Egypt and the EU across various fields, including economic, trade, and investment relations. They highlighted the need to ensure the security and freedom of maritime navigation in accordance with international law.
Abdelatty also met with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He praised the ICRC's efforts to protect victims of conflicts and violence, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation with the committee. Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's humanitarian role in regional crises, particularly in Gaza and Sudan, and discussed ways the ICRC can benefit from Egypt's capabilities and resources.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister held separate talks with representatives of the US-based J Street organization. Abdelatty outlined Egypt's position on the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that achieving regional security and stability requires a just and comprehensive settlement. This settlement must be based on ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Abdelatty stressed that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the Palestinian state and must be connected to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Egypt rejects any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land or separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank. He emphasized the need to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure humanitarian aid enters Gaza without obstacles, and begin early recovery and reconstruction efforts.
On Monday, Abdelatty met with Jorge Moreira da Silva, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This meeting took place on the sidelines of the UNGA high-level segment. The two officials likely discussed ways to enhance cooperation and address pressing humanitarian needs in the region.
Egypt's efforts to address regional crises through diplomatic means reflect its commitment to promoting peace and stability. Abdelatty's meetings with global leaders demonstrate Egypt's proactive approach to resolving ongoing conflicts and crises in the region. The country emphasizes the importance of peaceful means and political tracks to consolidate regional and international security and stability.
Key points
- Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasizes the need for a just and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian cause.
- Abdelatty rejects any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land or separate the Gaza Strip from the West Bank.
- Egypt promotes de-escalation and peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts in the region.
