Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abd al-Atti has underscored the importance of Arab unity and collective action to address the Palestine issue, which he described as being at a critical juncture. This statement was made during his participation in a consultative meeting of Arab foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The minister emphasized the need to build on Arab consensus and enhance coordination on issues affecting Arab strategic interests and national security.
Minister Abd al-Atti highlighted the necessity of continued Arab coordination to mobilize a more resolute international stance against Israeli violations. This includes efforts to halt settlement expansion and annexation, preserve Palestinian land unity, and launch a genuine political process leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Egypt, he reaffirmed, is committed to supporting the Palestinian people in their quest for legitimate rights.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also condemned Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, reaffirming Egypt's stance against any aggression that threatens the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Arab states. He emphasized the importance of containing escalation, reducing tensions, and preventing the widening of conflict, advocating for a return to political and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes.
In addition to addressing regional conflicts, Minister Abd al-Atti touched on the issue of maritime security. He stressed the importance of not converting seas, straits, and waterways into tools for pressure, escalation, or blackmail. The minister underscored the necessity of ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, noting that the security of the Red Sea is the sole responsibility of its coastal states.
The minister further emphasized the need for a political settlement to the Yemeni crisis that preserves the country's unity and territorial integrity. He advocated for addressing any differences between Arab states through direct dialogue and diplomatic channels within the Arab framework, which would help maintain Arab unity and enhance the effectiveness of collective Arab action.
During the meeting, the Arab foreign ministers discussed various challenges facing the Arab world, including the Palestinian issue, Iranian activities, and the situation in Yemen. They reiterated their commitment to working together to address these challenges and to support each other in the face of threats to Arab national security.
The consultative meeting of Arab foreign ministers concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of Arab unity and collective action in addressing regional challenges. Egypt, under the leadership of Minister Badr Abd al-Atti, continues to play an active role in promoting Arab coordination and advancing Arab interests on the international stage.
Key points
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abd al-Atti emphasizes Arab unity and joint action to address the Palestine issue.
- The minister condemns Iranian attacks on Arab countries and stresses the need for a political settlement to the Yemeni crisis.
- Arab foreign ministers reaffirm their commitment to working together to address regional challenges and support each other in the face of threats to Arab national security.
