Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty (L), Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp (R). Photo: Egyptian foreign ministry
In a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Veldkamp emphasized the importance of maritime security and acknowledged the Suez Canal’s central role in global trade and Egypt’s economy.
Abdelatty reviewed recent developments in the region, noting that the ceasefire agreement in Yemen could help stabilize shipping routes through the Red Sea, which have faced disruption in recent months.
The two ministers also discussed the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.
Abdelatty welcomed the Dutch position within the European Union (EU), particularly its support for calls to review Israel’s compliance with the EU-Israel Association Agreement, amid growing concern over Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He condemned Israel’s recent approval of new settlement construction in the occupied West Bank.
He also accused it of weaponizing starvation against civilians in Gaza—calling such actions blatant violations of international law.
Abdelatty urged the international community to reject double standards and uphold international legal principles.
Veldkamp reiterated the Netherlands’ opposition to settlement expansion and underlined the need to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza without obstruction.
The conversation also covered the broader Egyptian-Dutch relationship, with Abdelatty expressing Cairo’s interest in deepening economic ties, attracting Dutch investment, and boosting bilateral trade.
He highlighted the potential for expanded cooperation in port development, renewable energy, health, infrastructure, financial services, artificial intelligence, education, and scientific research.
On the issue of migration, Abdelatty stressed the need for closer coordination in combating irregular migration while also exploring frameworks for legal migration between the two countries.
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