Egyptian, Dutch FMs discuss bilateral ties, regional developments over phone

CAIRO - 23 April 2026: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Thursday discussed in a phone call with Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen bilateral ties and regional developments.

During the phone conversation, Berendsen lauded the growing momentum in relations between Egypt and the Netherlands in different areas, citing the recent call between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who they affirmed their mutual keenness to elevate bilateral ties to broader horizons.

For his part, Abdelatty said Egypt looks forward to taking advantage of available promising opportunities to advance economic relations with the Netherlands across various fields and boosting Dutch investments in the country, particularly in new economic zones and major national projects.

He also voiced hope to enhance cooperation on issues of mutual interest, foremost among them migration and water management, commending the Netherlands’ support for Egypt within the European Union's (EU) institutions.

The two ministers addressed regional updates and efforts to advance the diplomatic track between the US and Iran, where Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the negotiation process and stressed the importance of moving forward with a second round of talks to reach understandings that would consolidate a ceasefire and end the war, reviewing Egypt’s current efforts and contacts in this regard.

Abdelatty emphasized that negotiation and dialogue remain the only way to resolve the ongoing conflict and to spare the region further instability.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the top Egyptian diplomat stressed that the current escalation in the region should not distract from the need to complete all requirements of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, including the deployment of an international stabilization force, ensuring unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and launching early recovery and reconstruction programs.

Abdelatty also warned of serious developments in the West Bank amid continuing Israeli violations, escalating military operations and expanding settlement activities.

The pair also tackled the situation in Lebanon, where Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm position in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, calling for a full cessation of Israeli attacks and backing the empowerment of Lebanese national institutions, foremost the Lebanese army, while welcoming the recently announced ceasefire.

Abdelatty also briefed his Dutch counterpart on Egypt’s stand regarding developments in Sudan, stressing the importance of preserving Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity and safeguarding its national institutions, while outlining endeavors to reach a humanitarian truce paving the way for a ceasefire.

For his part, the Dutch foreign minister expressed his country’s aspiration to keep strengthening bilateral ties and expanding them to broader horizons, praising Egypt’s role in supporting regional stability and its endeavors to contain the current escalation.

Berendsen also commended the wisdom of the Egyptian leadership in dealing with the ongoing developments.

The two ministers agreed at the end of the call to continue coordination and consultations on various relevant developments in a way that supports security and stability in the region.