Egyptian FM and EU High Representative discuss regional de-escalation

CAIRO – 5 March 2026: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, held a telephone call on Thursday with Kaya Kallas, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The discussion centered on the comprehensive strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, exploring further avenues to strengthen bilateral ties. Both officials commended the significant progress in Egypt-EU relations across all sectors, particularly following the inaugural Egyptian-European Summit held last October. They reaffirmed a shared commitment to ongoing coordination and consultation to serve mutual interests.

During the call, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the importance of attracting increased European investment to Egypt and expanding access for Egyptian exports to European markets. He also highlighted the necessity of enhancing private sector cooperation to achieve shared economic objectives.

The two officials also addressed the "rapidly evolving" and "dangerous" military escalation currently unfolding in the region. They exchanged assessments on these developments, stressing the urgent need for de-escalation and the prioritization of diplomatic and political solutions. Both parties expressed grave concern over the current trajectory of the conflict.

Minister Abdelatty underscored the necessity of resorting to dialogue to contain the situation. He explicitly stated Egypt’s rejection of actions targeting the Gulf States, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, describing such acts as "unacceptable and reprehensible."

The Foreign Minister further warned of the catastrophic repercussions should the cycle of violence continue to widen, noting that the expanding conflict poses a direct threat to both regional and international peace and security.

Concluding the call, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination within the framework of their strategic partnership. They emphasized that a diplomatic path remains the only viable way to prevent the region from sliding into further instability.