Russia supports Egypt mediation efforts to reach immediate ceasefire in Gaza: Lavrov to Abdelatty

Shahd Hesham, Monday 16 Sep 2024

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty that Moscow supports Cairo’s mediation efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to the strip.

Badr Abdelatty
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (L) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a press conference following their talks in Moscow, on September 16, 2024. AFP

 

This came during a press conference on Monday following a meeting between the two top diplomats in Moscow.

During the press conference, FM Abdelatty denounced Israel’s starvation policies against the Palestinians in Gaza, stressing that Israel’s aggression against the strip and the West Bank threatens regional stability and heightens the risk of widespread conflict.

Egypt’s top diplomat also reaffirmed the necessity of Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor.

In addition, both foreign ministers addressed other key topics on their regional and international agenda, focusing on Syria, Sudan, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa.

Regarding Somalia, Abdelatty said, “We strongly reject any unilateral actions that threaten the unity and security of Somalia.” He also urged for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.

He explained that “Egypt is the most affected country regarding the escalation of the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.”

Abdelatty tackled counterterrorism, mentioning that he will lead an Egyptian delegation to the Global Counterterrorism Forum in New York on 27 September, inviting Lavrov to participate.

He highlighted the strong ties between the two countries, which had developed over the years and were further strengthened by the close relationship between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For his part, Lavrov said that Russia is working on reviving relations between Syria and its Arab surroundings.

He also emphasized that enhancing Russian-Egyptian relations is a shared goal for both countries.

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