Egypt, UK commit to joint efforts to de-escalate Middle East tensions

LONDON – 20 May 2026: The foreign ministers of Egypt and UK discussed developments across the Middle East, including ongoing US-Iran negotiations, during talks in London on Tuesday.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed their commitment to jointly working on de-escalating tensions and enhancing security and stability in the region, according to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s ongoing efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to contain escalating tensions in the Middle East as he discussed the US-Iran negotiation track.

He reiterated Egypt’s position that diplomacy and negotiations remain the only viable path to addressing the current crisis, stressing the importance of supporting the US-Iran negotiation track to achieve de-escalation and stability.

The Egyptian minister warned of the severe economic repercussions of continued instability in the region, emphasizing the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in international waterways as a cornerstone of global economic and trade stability.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with Gulf countries against any actions threatening their security and stability.

 

The talks also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, where Abdelatty called for coordinated international and regional efforts to ensure implementation of the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire plan.

He stressed the need to guarantee the unimpeded flow of humanitarian, relief and medical aid, and pave the way for early recovery and reconstruction.

Abdelatty also urged enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to fulfill its responsibilities, affirming that these measures should ultimately lead to a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause.

He praised British positions on the Palestinian cause, including the recognition of the Palestinian State.

The two ministers further exchanged views on developments in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa and the water security file.

For her part, Cooper commended Egypt’s efforts to support security and stability in the Middle East and affirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Egypt.