Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry speaks during his participation in the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod on Monday 10 June, 2024. Photo courtesy of Egyptian ministry of foreign affairs.
Shoukry's remarks came during his participation in the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, taking place in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.
Furthermore, he emphasized Egypt's call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, and for Israel to stop violating international humanitarian law and protect civilians, highlighting the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Egypt's top diplomat also warned against the severe consequences of Israeli military operations in the Palestinian City of Rafah, calling on Israel to facilitate immediate, safe, and unhindered humanitarian aid access through the Rafah Border Crossing.
Furthermore, he reiterated Egypt’s steadfast support for the Palestinians' legitimate aspirations for self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In addition, Shoukry emphasized that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis, expressing Egypt's firm rejection to any attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their lands.
He also highlighted Egypt’s current mediation efforts and support for reconstruction process, pointing to the joint hosting with Jordan and the UN of an upcoming international conference in Amman to address Gaza's crisis.
According to the ministry, Shoukry held separate meetings on the sideline of the BRICS FMs meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor and Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
During the meetings, the Egyptian FM discussed with his counterparts ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation as well as the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest, especially the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.
Egypt membership in BRICS
During his speech, Shoukry expressed his happiness at representing Egypt for the first time as a member state in the group, noting the increasing concerns raised by the escalating conflicts worldwide.
He discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the BRICS countries and their position towards international and regional issues, as well as cooperation with the bloc’s partner countries.
BRICS was formed in 2006 and initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
In 2011, South Africa joined the intergovernmental organization.
In August 2023, the group was expanded during the 15th summit held in South Africa to include Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia. The new memberships were activated in January 2024.
Russia is the chairmanship of the BRICS group in 2024.
In January, Egypt participated in the BRICS' member states meeting in the Russian capital Moscow for the first time as a full member.
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