Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi chaired a roundtable discussion on investing in peace for shared prosperity and lasting stability at the International Francophonie Summit in Cambodia. The event was part of the summit's general session. Badawi represented Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the summit. The minister reviewed Egypt's vision for achieving peace and stability. He highlighted the upcoming Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Aswan forum, set to take place in Aswan on November 21-22, serves as a platform for dialogue and exchanging views on peace, security, and development challenges in Africa. Badawi emphasized that true peace goes beyond stopping wars and eliminating conflicts. It relies on three interconnected pillars: security, reconstruction, and justice. He stressed that there can be no prosperity without peace and no real peace without justice and respect for international law.
During the roundtable, Badawi discussed Egypt's efforts to address the Gaza crisis. He called for a genuine political path to resolve the conflict. This path should include a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and sustainable humanitarian aid. Badawi also emphasized the need to rebuild Gaza without forced displacement of Palestinians. He highlighted Egypt's ongoing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to stop hostilities, release hostages, and deliver aid.
The Egyptian minister reiterated his country's stance on the Palestinian issue. Egypt supports the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. This state should have East Jerusalem as its capital and coexist with Israel in peace and security. Badawi noted that addressing the root causes of crises and preventing renewed conflicts is crucial. This can be achieved through supporting political dialogue and respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Badawi also touched on Egypt's role in promoting peace and development in Africa. He mentioned the African Union's Reconstruction and Development Center, hosted by Cairo. The center aims to enhance African capacities for building peace and preventing conflict recurrence. Additionally, Badawi highlighted the contributions of the Senghor University in Alexandria. The university prepares and qualifies African cadres in various fields.
The minister outlined Egypt's vision for the International Organization of La Francophonie. He proposed three integrated tracks to enhance the organization's contribution to peace and stability. The first track focuses on preventive diplomacy, mediation, and support for countries in fragile situations. The second track prioritizes human development and economic cooperation. The third track involves deepening international and regional partnerships.
Badawi concluded Egypt's statement by affirming the country's continued role in promoting sustainable political solutions to crises. He expressed Egypt's willingness to work with Francophonie member states to establish a just peace and achieve shared prosperity and lasting stability. The Francophonie summit provides a platform for its member states to discuss and address global challenges. Egypt's participation reflects its commitment to peace and cooperation.
Key points
- Egypt's Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi leads a roundtable discussion on investing in peace at the Francophonie Summit.
- Badawi emphasizes that true peace relies on security, reconstruction, and justice.
- Egypt supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
