Egypt’s FM, Dutch counterpart discuss latest situation in Gaza

CAIRO – 31 May 2025: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty received a phone call from his Dutch counterpart, Mr. Caspar Veldkamp to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange views on recent developments in the Gaza Strip.

Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdelatty praised the strong and multifaceted ties between Egypt and the Netherlands, highlighting Egypt’s desire to deepen economic cooperation, attract increased Dutch investment, and expand trade between the two nations.

Minister Abdelatty underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in a wide range of sectors, including logistics and port development, renewable energy, healthcare, digital transformation, infrastructure, financial services, artificial intelligence, education, and scientific research. He also emphasized the significance of joint efforts in the area of migration, including combating illegal migration and exploring pathways for legal migration.

The two ministers also discussed maritime security in the Red Sea. Minister Abdelatty reviewed the implications of the recent agreement between Yemen and the United States regarding maritime security and its impact on international trade routes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

For his part, Minister Veldkamp acknowledged the strategic importance of the Suez Canal to Egypt and expressed his readiness to encourage Dutch companies to resume navigation in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, thereby contributing to the restoration of normal shipping operations.

The conversation also included an exchange of views on regional developments, with a particular focus on the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Minister Abdelatty expressed his appreciation for the Netherlands' position and the European Union's efforts concerning Israel’s adherence to its Association Agreement with the EU. He stressed the need for the international community to uphold international law and reject double standards.

He further condemned Israel’s recent decision to authorize new settlements and its continued use of starvation tactics against civilians in Gaza, describing these actions as collective punishment and a flagrant violation of international law.

Minister Veldkamp reiterated the Netherlands’ rejection of Israeli settlement expansion and emphasized the urgent need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, reaffirming the shared values and positions between Egypt and the Netherlands.