Egyptian FM, UN Chief address Israeli war on Gaza, crisis in Sudan

CAIRO – 28 July 2025: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, met on 28 July 2025, with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on the sidelines of the High-Level International Conference on “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.”

The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, stated that Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the principled positions of the Secretary-General regarding developments in Gaza, especially his support for the protection of civilians and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian and relief assistance to the Strip. The Minister reaffirmed the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, while underscoring Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts to separate the West Bank from Gaza.

Minister Abdelatty reviewed the ongoing arrangements for Egypt’s hosting of the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza, to be held immediately upon reaching a ceasefire agreement. The conference, organized in cooperation with the United Nations, the Palestinian Authority, and international partners, aims to mobilize the necessary support for implementing the Arab-Islamic plan and ensuring dignified living conditions for the people of Gaza, empowering them to remain steadfast on their land.

Minister Abdelatty also emphasized Egypt’s full support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), firmly rejecting the Israeli actions aimed at undermining the agency’s operations, given its critical role as a lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. He warned of the serious humanitarian and political consequences of such actions.

Ambassador Khallaf added that Minister Abdelatty outlined the importance of building on the outcomes of the International Conference on “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” describing it as a step in the right direction towards breaking the political deadlock and reviving the peace process. Minister Abdelatty underscored the need to create a political horizon that enables a just and comprehensive settlement based on international references and relevant UN resolutions, ultimately leading to the realization of an independent Palestinian state.

On another note, Minister Abdelatty addressed Egypt’s concerns regarding the Nile River and its water security. He briefed the Secretary-General on Egypt’s position, which is grounded in the necessity of adhering to the rules of international law concerning shared water resources. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation based on consensus and mutual benefit to serve the interests of all Nile Basin countries, rejecting unilateral measures that contravene international law in the Eastern Nile Basin. Minister Abdelatty further affirmed that Egypt will take all measures guaranteed under international law to safeguard the vital interests of its people.

Additionally, Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for efforts aimed at enhancing the security and stability of Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. He emphasized Egypt’s support for the AUSSOM Mission in its role to establish security and stability in Somalia. Minister Abdelatty also highlighted the priority Egypt accords to the Red Sea and the safety of maritime navigation therein, particularly given its direct link to Egypt’s national security. He reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of any non-littoral state's participation in the security arrangements and governance of the Red Sea.

The meeting further included a review of the developments in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis and achieve a ceasefire, in which both sides affirmed the importance of respecting Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, rejecting all forms of foreign interference, and the need to preserve Sudan’s national institutions.

For his part, the Secretary-General praised the wise and prudent leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in light of the unprecedented challenges facing the region. He also commended the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations and affirmed the UN’s full support for the upcoming Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction, which Egypt will host as soon as a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.