Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty Speaking at a joint press conference with Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković in Cairo Egypt. Photo courtesy of Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo with Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković, Abdelatty said the US role was the primary guarantee for ensuring the parties’ commitment to the agreement, particularly Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Abdelatty said Egypt had received an invitation from President Trump to join a proposed Peace Council for Gaza, noting that Cairo is currently studying the proposal.
He said the second phase of the ceasefire includes several key issues, including Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, early recovery and reconstruction efforts, and the activation of a Palestinian administrative committee to manage daily affairs and provide basic services in the Strip. The committee, he said, would comprise 15 members and be headed by an independent figure.
On Nile water issues, Abdelatty said President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi had expressed appreciation for President Trump’s interest in the file, describing it as an existential issue for Egypt and stressing that the Nile is the country’s lifeline.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to cooperation with Nile Basin countries in line with international law, particularly the principles of prior notification and the prevention of harm, while rejecting unilateral measures and stressing that adherence to international law is the only path to regional water security.
Turning to bilateral ties, Abdelatty said there were opportunities to expand cooperation with Bosnia-Herzegovina in tourism, investment, trade, and aviation. He said the two sides agreed to increase flights between the two countries and enhance investment as well as security and defence cooperation.
Konaković praised Egypt’s regional role, saying it could help Bosnia-Herzegovina expand its investments in Africa. He described Egypt as a gateway to the continent and invited Cairo to consider Bosnia-Herzegovina as a point of entry into Europe.
Earlier on Saturday, Abdelatty held political consultations with Konaković focused on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional and international developments.
According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, Abdelatty called for convening the next round of political consultations, activating the joint economic cooperation committee, and boosting trade and investment, particularly through closer cooperation between chambers of commerce and the establishment of a joint business council. He highlighted sectors, including renewable energy, transport, tourism, agriculture, and education.
The two ministers welcomed growing tourism exchanges and referred to a memorandum of understanding on mutual tourism promotion signed in August 2025. Abdelatty stressed the importance of launching direct flights between Cairo and Sarajevo.
The consultations concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Egypt’s Diplomatic Studies Institute and the Bosnian foreign ministry, as well as a cooperation protocol between the two ministries.
On regional issues, the ministers discussed the situation in Gaza, stressing the need to move forward with the second phase of the ceasefire, including the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee, Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and preparations for early recovery and reconstruction.
They also discussed developments in Sudan, with Abdelatty reaffirming Egypt’s support for Sudan’s unity and stability and calling for a humanitarian truce and increased aid. He also warned that Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Somaliland violates international law and threatens stability in the Horn of Africa.
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