Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry meets with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, 19 January 2024. Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry
Shoukry met separately with the two diplomats on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), being held in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.
According to a statement from the Egyptian ministry, the top Indian diplomat was keen to listen to Shoukry's assessment of the situation in the Gaza Strip. He also expressed his country's appreciation for Egypt's efforts to put an end to this crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Furthermore, Jaishankar expressed his country's concerns about attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, pointing out that a number of Indian ships have been targeted.
The Indian foreign minister highlighted the serious repercussions on international navigation, noting that India has a great interest in international trade corridors and could be negatively affected by such attacks.
Shoukry said that the recent developments in the Red Sea and elsewhere in the region indicate the widening of the conflict. He noted that Egypt has repeatedly warned of such an outcome, emphasizing the necessity of ending the crisis as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Shoukry and his Belarusian counterpart discussed the recent developments in the Gaza Strip, where the Egyptian foreign minister highlighted Cairo's vital role and tireless efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip.
Additionally, the Shoukry underscored Egypt's continuous efforts to reach a ceasefire, recalling his repeated warnings about the potential for regional escalation.
In addition, Shoukry met with his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip and the political and diplomatic actions aimed at achieving a comprehensive ceasefire.
Both ministers stressed the need for regional and international action to reach a ceasefire and ensure the sustainable entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip as per UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and to stop the Israeli aggression that violates all provisions of international humanitarian law.
They also discussed regional escalation, including in Lebanon and Iraq, and threats to the navigation in the Red Sea.
Shoukry urged the need to intensify joint Arab action to confront the escalation of the conflict and its repercussions, which threaten regional security.
Shoukry, who is leading the Egyptian delegation at the summit, is set to deliver a speech on behalf of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.
On the 105th day of the Israeli War on Gaza, Israel's relentless attacks have left more than 24,000 deaths and over 60,000 injuries, most of whom are women and children.
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