According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Abdelatty’s remarks came during his participation in the fourth joint ministerial meeting, held virtually, between Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
During the meeting, the Egyptian FM stressed the need to form a joint Arab force capable of effectively addressing existing threats and risks facing all Arab countries. He also called for accelerating the activation of the 1950 Arab League Joint Defence and Economic Co-operation Treaty.
Moreover, Abdelatty emphasized that practical steps must be taken to swiftly establish new mechanisms to ensure the security and sovereignty of Arab states, including Gulf countries.
He also reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of the unacceptable and unjustified Iranian attacks targeting Gulf countries, stressing that Arab national security is indivisible, and that the security of the Gulf states is an integral part of Egyptian and Arab national security.
Similarly, he emphasized that Egypt stands firmly in solidarity with Gulf countries against these attacks, stressing Cairo’s absolute rejection of any undermining of the sovereignty or resources of the Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq under any pretext.
Moreover, the Egyptian FM offered sincere condolences for the martyrs who fell as a result of these heinous attacks and wished a speedy recovery for all the injured.
He also emphasized the importance of de-escalating tensions, achieving calm, and prioritizing diplomatic dialogue, warning of the dangers of the conflict spreading and the potential slide toward widespread chaos.
Additionally, Abdelatty affirmed that ensuring freedom of international maritime navigation remains essential. He rejected any attempts to obstruct navigation, viewing such attempts as posing an immediate threat to regional security and stability and to global trade.
For their part, the GCC foreign ministers expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for Egypt’s unwavering support. They praised Cairo’s firm condemnation of the attacks targeting the Gulf states and the solidarity Egypt demonstrated with them in this delicate situation and in confronting these threats.
They also commended Egypt’s unflagging support for the Palestinian cause, praising Cairo's pivotal role in championing Arab causes, promoting joint Arab action, and safeguarding regional security and stability amid current challenges.
Abdelatty’s remarks come as the war in the Middle East enters its third week with no signs of abating as the US and Israel continue to intensify their attacks on Iran and Tehran continues its retaliatory strikes against US bases and US-linked interests in Gulf countries, Iraq, and Jordan.
Earlier on Friday, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Cairo's unequivocal condemnation and absolute rejection of Iran's targeting of the Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq.
In a phone call, the Egyptian president emphasized to Pezeshkian that these brotherly nations have neither supported nor participated in the war against Iran, but rather contributed to de-escalation efforts and supported the Iranian-American negotiations aimed at reaching a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
The president expressed to Pezeshkian Egypt's aspiration to uphold the principle of good neighbourliness and to halt these attacks immediately.
He reiterated Egypt's regret over the current escalation and its deep concern about its negative repercussions on the stability of the region and the well-being of its people.
He also outlined the Egyptian efforts exerted to stop the current military conflict and return to the negotiating track, stressing the necessity of flexibility in this regard.
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