UK foreign secretary visits Egypt to discuss Hormuz transit, Gaza peace efforts

CAIRO – 17 June 2026: UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is arriving in Egypt on Wednesday for talks on restoring freedom of transit through the Strait of Hormuz and advancing the implementation of a 20-point Gaza peace plan.

Hormuz

The visit comes after the announcement of a US-Iran agreement expected to be signed later this week to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Cooper seeks to continue diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring freedom of transit through the Strait of Hormuz without any unlawful restrictions or fees.

Gaza

On Gaza, talks will focus on Egypt's role in supporting peace efforts, particularly following its mediation of a ceasefire agreement last October.

Discussions will also address ongoing efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and implement transitional security and administrative arrangements under the Gaza peace plan.

During her visit, Cooper is also scheduled to meet Ali Shaath, head of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.

Sudan

Cooper and Abdelatty will discuss ways to end the ongoing violence in Sudan and increase humanitarian assistance for millions of displaced Sudanese civilians.

The talks are also expected to address the pressures Egypt continues to face as a result of the refugee crisis.

Key Priorities

Cooper is expected to discuss additional key priorities for UK-Egypt cooperation with senior Egyptian officials, including trade, national security, clean energy and migration.

The talks will also cover joint efforts to secure a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian assistance in Sudan.

On Thursday, Cooper will hold talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty before co-chairing meetings of the Egypt-UK Association Council.

The discussions will review the progress of bilateral relations and examine shared opportunities and challenges in the fields of economic growth, migration and regional security.

The intensified engagement comes ahead of the launch of a formal strategic partnership between the two countries later this year.

UK-Backed Initiatives

The British foreign secretary will additionally review UK-backed initiatives in Egypt aimed at helping vulnerable groups access support services, develop skills and secure employment opportunities.

The programs are designed to reduce the risk of exploitation by human trafficking networks and address factors that contribute to irregular migration.

Cooper will discuss with Egyptian officials ways to strengthen cooperation against organized migration-related crime and improve support for people affected by displacement across the region.