Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has stated that Egypt has not interfered in Ethiopia's internal affairs, emphasizing that respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in internal matters are fundamental principles of Egypt's foreign policy. In an interview with "Al-Qahera News" channel, Abdelatty clarified that Egypt has no involvement in Ethiopia's internal developments. He also stressed that attributing internal crises to external parties is unacceptable and does not contribute to achieving stability.
Abdelatty's comments come amid rising diplomatic tensions between Cairo and Addis Ababa. On Thursday, Ethiopia declared a member of the Egyptian embassy in Addis Ababa persona non grata and gave him 48 hours to leave the country, without providing a reason. Egypt responded in kind, declaring a counselor at the Ethiopian embassy in Cairo persona non grata and giving him 48 hours to leave.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister accused Ethiopia of attempting to divert attention from its internal situation by blaming external parties for its domestic developments. He emphasized that this approach will not help achieve stability in Ethiopia. A well-informed Egyptian source confirmed that Cairo refuses to be drawn into Ethiopia's internal crisis, citing Egypt's commitment to respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
The source also criticized attempts to divert attention from the "true internal motives" behind the events in Ethiopia, asserting that this will not help calm the situation in the African nation. The source emphasized that Ethiopia requires the support of African Union institutions to break free from cycles of conflict. The African Union has issued a statement calling on Egypt, Ethiopia, and Eritrea to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels and peaceful dialogue.
The African Union's statement surprised an Egyptian source, who viewed it as drawing Cairo into an issue described as an internal Ethiopian affair. Egypt's foreign policy is grounded in respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and a commitment to good-neighborly relations. The Egyptian source emphasized that Cairo will not be swayed from its principles.
The diplomatic tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have been escalating, with both countries exchanging accusations and counter-accusations. Egypt has consistently maintained that it has no involvement in Ethiopia's internal affairs, while Ethiopia has continued to blame external parties for its domestic crises. The situation remains volatile, with both countries refusing to back down.
The international community is watching the developments closely, with the African Union urging restraint and peaceful dialogue. Egypt and Ethiopia have a long-standing relationship, but the current tensions have raised concerns about the potential for conflict. Key to resolving the situation will be a commitment to diplomatic channels and a respect for state sovereignty.
Key points
- Egypt denies interfering in Ethiopia's internal affairs
- Diplomatic tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia escalate
- African Union calls for restraint and peaceful dialogue
