Egypt urges UK to recognize Palestinian state

Ahram Online , Tuesday 15 Oct 2024

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty has called on the United Kingdom (UK) to recognize the state of Palestine, during a meeting with Hamish Falconer, the UK’s minister for the Middle East and North Africa, in Cairo on Tuesday.

Badr Abdelatty
Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty with Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Minister for the Middle East and North Africa during a meeting on Tuesday 15 October, 2024. Photo courtesy of Ministry of foreign affairs.

 

FM Abdelatty emphasized that the recognition of the State of Palestine, based on a two-state solution, is crucial for achieving security, stability, and peace in the region, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cairo emphasized that addressing the Palestinian issue would have a profound effect on all peoples in the region.

During the meeting, Abdelatty outlined Egypt's perspective on the ongoing developments in the region and their impact on security and stability.

He stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid to the strip.

Moreover, Abdelatty highlighted Cairo's ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and secure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Egypt’s top diplomat stressed the importance of the Israeli army withdrawing from all Lebanese territories and respecting Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

He further called for Israel to ensure the safety of UN personnel in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Egypt has consistently condemned Israel's targeting of UNIFIL in South Lebanon as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.


The Egyptian foreign minister also underscored the need for all parties to implement Security Council Resolution 1701 comprehensively and to empower Lebanese institutions, particularly the Lebanese army.

Enhancing investments
 

Additionally, Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations with the UK and encouraged British businesses to increase their investments in the country, given the promising opportunities in various sectors and the government's efforts to create a favourable investment environment.

Abdelatty and Falconer also looked forward to holding the second session of the Egyptian-British Partnership Council, led by the foreign ministers, to enhance trade and economic ties between the two nations.

The UK is one of the largest investors in Egypt, with investments totalling $21 billion in 2023, according to Egypt’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk in August.

Moreover, the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from the UK to Egypt rose from $1.9 billion in 2021/2022 to $2 billion in 2022/2023, according to the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

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