Egypt’s FM holds separate phone calls with Nigerian, Cypriot counterparts

CAIRO – June 7, 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty held separate phone calls on Saturday with his counterparts from Nigeria and Cyprus, as part of Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate on regional developments.

Egypt–Nigeria Relations

In his call with Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty praised the long-standing and distinguished relations between Egypt and Nigeria. He expressed his aspiration to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors—with special emphasis on agriculture.

The Egyptian Minister highlighted the growing presence and activity of Egyptian companies across Africa and voiced interest in exploring new investment opportunities through joint ventures that bring mutual benefit.

The two ministers exchanged views on current developments across the African continent, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination within the African Union to promote peace and security—especially in the Sahel region.

Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s readiness to support Nigeria in combating terrorism and extremism, underlining Egypt’s willingness to assist through capacity building initiatives and educational cooperation, including support from Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in countering extremist ideologies.

The discussion also covered developments in the Middle East, particularly the situation in Gaza. Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, strongly condemning Israel’s continued violations of international and humanitarian law, and its policies against Palestinian civilians. He emphasized the need for urgent international action to end the war and ensure humanitarian access.

Strengthening Egypt–Cyprus Ties

Separately, Minister Abdelatty received a phone call from Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, as part of the ongoing dialogue aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and exchanging perspectives on regional issues.

Abdelatty reaffirmed the historical and friendly ties between Egypt and Cyprus and expressed Egypt’s keenness to expand cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and employment. He also emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration on facilitating Egyptian labor in Cyprus.

The Egyptian minister expressed appreciation for Cyprus’s continued support for Egypt within the European Union, especially concerning the European financial assistance package allocated to Egypt.

The two ministers also reviewed regional and international developments of mutual concern, with a special focus on the Gaza crisis. Abdelatty briefed his Cypriot counterpart on Egypt’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ensuring aid delivery. Both sides agreed on the importance of continued coordination to de-escalate tensions and support regional stability and security.