During the meeting, Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s efforts to support security and stability in the Middle East. He said Cairo’s foreign policy focuses on political and diplomatic solutions, preventing further escalation, and addressing the underlying causes of regional crises to achieve lasting stability.
Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s role in supporting the ceasefire in Gaza, working toward the second phase of the US plan, and backing early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the territory, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The foreign minister also briefed Zakaria on Egypt’s ongoing economic reform programme, steps taken to improve the investment climate, and measures to strengthen the role of the private sector in attracting foreign investment and expanding economic partnerships.
He highlighted major development projects implemented over the past decade across several sectors, noting their contribution to improving Egypt’s economic and development performance despite continued regional instability.
The talks also covered a range of regional and international issues, including developments in Iran, Syria, and Sudan; the Ethiopian dam issue; the Horn of Africa; and the war in Ukraine, as well as their direct impact on regional and global stability.
Launched in 2008, Fareed Zakaria's GPS is CNN’s longest-running weekly international affairs programme and a flagship public affairs show, airing on CNN and CNN International. The programme focuses on global geopolitics and strategic trends and is known for in-depth interviews with senior officials and Zakaria’s analytical commentary.
The show typically draws several hundred thousand viewers per episode in the United States, with larger audiences during major global crises. It also reaches a much wider international and digital audience through CNN International and online platforms, where segments often receive millions of views.
In a September article in The Washington Post titled “Pivotal countries are moving away from the US and toward China,” Zakaria describes Egypt as a pivotal power that is not turning away from the United States but expanding its partnerships, particularly with China, in response to changes in the global order.
Zakaria argues that Egypt’s approach is practical rather than ideological. He notes that Cairo continues to maintain strong security ties with Washington while increasing economic cooperation with China, drawn by concrete development projects and financing with fewer conditions.
He warns that this trend should not be viewed as a zero-sum loss for the United States, but as a sign that reduced US economic engagement could further weaken its influence in key countries such as Egypt.
This view closely reflects Egypt’s officially stated foreign policy.
In its recently issued Strategic Balance book, the Foreign Ministry describes Egyptian diplomacy as a deliberate and responsible approach based on diversified partnerships with major powers and balanced engagement at both regional and international levels.
While Zakaria presents Egypt’s position as part of a wider global shift driven by economic interests and changing power relations, the book presents the same approach as an established policy aimed at protecting national interests, supporting peace and development, and strengthening Egypt’s role as a central actor in regional and global stability.
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