The Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Nader Zaki, emphasized on Friday that the region is experiencing heightened anxiety and anticipation of potential escalation. He highlighted intense diplomatic efforts aimed at containing any developments before they occur, urging Iran to re-engage in negotiations and uphold the existing agreement with the United States as the sole viable path forward.
Zaki noted that significant discussions took place in Istanbul among the R4 group—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—alongside the European troika of Germany, Britain, and France, which unexpectedly expanded to include Italy. These meetings sought to address the prevailing regional tensions and the prolonged state of unease, with participants stressing the urgency of preemptive diplomatic action.
The spokesperson further stated that the eight nations confirmed widespread concern over signs of further escalation, coupled with ongoing tensions persisting for approximately eight months. Diplomatic initiatives were underscored as critical to averting an even more perilous situation.
Critically, the meetings expressed unanimous condemnation of unprovoked attacks on civilians in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming a shared stance against such actions. This position, however, faced criticism, with participants demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and accountability for violations of international norms.
Demonstrating Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
Regarding Egypt’s commitment to Saudi Arabia, Zaki revealed that senior Egyptian officials have pledged comprehensive support to the Kingdom, including through legislative measures and a recent high-level visit by Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty to Riyadh. He clarified that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s communications with Saudi leadership underscored Egypt’s unwavering support for its allies.
The spokesperson also emphasized the strategic importance of the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, recognizing them as vital arteries for global trade. Citing historical disruptions to navigation and their impact on Egypt’s economy, he stressed the necessity of enhanced regional cooperation to secure these waterways, asserting Egypt’s capacity to prevent threats to their safety.
Strengthening Dialogue with Iran
Zaki affirmed Egypt’s diplomatic commitment to mediation, rejecting superficial gestures. He stressed the imperative of reducing regional tensions through political engagement, highlighting the need for continuous communication with all stakeholders. On Iran specifically, he urged adherence to the 2015 agreement with the U.S., describing it as the only viable framework to avert a catastrophic escalation. He also emphasized the critical need to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, condemning attacks on Gulf nations as baseless and unacceptable.
Rejecting the Libyan-Turkish Maritime Agreement
Regarding the 2019 Libya-Turkey memorandum on maritime boundaries, Zaki unequivocally rejected its legal validity, dismissing it as “ink on paper” devoid of substance. Despite recent ratification by Libya’s House of Representatives, Egypt maintains its position that such agreements violate its sovereign rights in the Mediterranean. Recent talks between Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers in Istanbul saw Cairo reiterate its stance, with Ankara acknowledging the need for dialogue to address disputes.
Cairo further warned that Libya’s parliamentary approval of the deal has no legal bearing on Egypt’s territorial claims, pledging ongoing diplomatic and legal efforts to defend its interests.
Stabilizing Sudan as a Red Line
On Sudan, Zaki reiterated Egypt’s firm stance on preserving the country’s unity and supporting its military-led government to prevent fragmentation. He rejected any notion of equality between the Sudanese army and armed factions, emphasizing that foreign arms supplies must halt. Egypt, alongside the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and UAE, is actively pursuing a resolution to end Sudan’s 2023 conflict.
Preserving the Palestinian Cause
Addressing the Palestinian issue, Zaki reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast support for a just resolution, rejecting efforts to displace Palestinians through coercion. He warned against policies aimed at rendering Palestinian lives untenable, stressing that peace in the Arab world cannot be achieved without addressing their plight.
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