This policy transcends rigid lines, making Egypt’s role not only influential and proactive but also essential and significant. Egypt’s foreign policy operates within its Arab identity, African ties, Asian outreach, and a deep-rooted human civilization that traces back to ancient history.

Egypt adheres to a distinctive foreign policy that plays an active role, particularly given that we are at the heart of a volatile region where events can shift overnight and crises can erupt without warning. This is the secret behind Egypt's strategic balance, avoiding alignment with regional or international alliances under any guise and steering clear of polarization. This was articulated by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during his recent meeting with writers and editors-in-chief at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the New Administrative Capital.

The constants of Egypt's foreign policy are rooted in mutual respect between nations, adherence to international law, and balanced relations based on strategic goals and interests, all while maintaining Egypt’s independent decision-making. Egypt, with confidence and steadfastness, faces crises flaring on its borders — whether in Sudan to the south, Libya to the west, Gaza to the east, or the unrest in the Horn of Africa — along with the repercussions of Ethiopia's unilateral decisions concerning the Renaissance Dam, which have caused instability in the Nile Basin. It is as though Egypt is being targeted by these unprecedented upheavals.

Despite Egypt's pivot toward the East — strengthening ties with China, Russia, and India —and bolstering its relationships with European and American nations, while maintaining a strong presence in the Arab and African spheres and the Eastern Mediterranean, the region remains fraught with persistent instability. This makes patience a necessity, given the dire state of affairs, with no imminent or foreseeable comprehensive solutions. The situation is unlikely to stabilize in the short term.

Egypt’s adoption of a strategic balance and its effort to resolve disputes where perspectives diverge are driven by a commitment to its national interests. Egypt recognizes its regional and international stature, guided by the philosophy, vision, and wisdom of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. His unwavering support for stability and development, alongside his balanced approach to Egypt's strategic movements, is evident. Even though Egypt possesses numerous hard power options and influential tools that could be deployed, it remains committed to respecting international laws, refraining from interference in other nations' domestic affairs, and avoiding harm to others — an integral part of Egypt's diplomatic approach.

This was exemplified during President El-Sisi's historic visit to Turkey, where he stated, "I discussed with President Erdogan ways of coordination and joint efforts to address regional crises, foremost among them the humanitarian tragedy faced by our Palestinian brothers in Gaza — a catastrophe that has persisted for nearly a year. I want to emphasize the unity of Egypt and Turkey's position in demanding an immediate ceasefire and rejecting the current Israeli escalation in the West Bank. We also exchanged views on the Libyan crisis, agreeing to consult between our institutions to achieve security and political stability in Libya. We discussed the situation in Syria, expressed our hopes for a resolution to that crisis, and reviewed the crisis in Sudan, with Egypt’s efforts to collaborate with various parties to halt the violence. I reiterate our aspiration to maintain the current calm in the Eastern Mediterranean and build on it, working toward resolving existing disputes between the countries in the region."

Under President El-Sisi, Egypt has successfully reclaimed its pivotal regional role, working to maintain the region’s balance and prevent it from descending into chaos. Egypt achieves this through flexible relations with all concerned parties in a region engulfed by rapid developments. This was a point highlighted by President El-Sisi in his inaugural address in June 2014, where he said that Egypt, with its unique capabilities, must maintain openness in its international relations, and that its foreign policy would be shaped by the willingness of friends to cooperate in serving the interests of the Egyptian people.

To the east, Egypt, through its clear role in the Palestinian cause, refused to allow its name to be entangled in obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, the exchange of prisoners and detainees, or mediation efforts, thus deflecting attention away from the Israeli public. Egypt held the Israeli government accountable for issuing statements that exacerbated the situation, reiterating its commitment to its historical role as a leader in the region’s peace process.

To the south, despite ongoing efforts to halt the bloodshed, the distance between the parties in Sudan continues to grow, and the process of reconciliation will require more time to bridge the gaps. In the West, Egypt is striving to support a political process in Libya, aimed at preserving the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. In Syria, efforts are ongoing to reach a comprehensive and permanent solution and to combat terrorism in all its forms.

Egypt reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, rejecting any interference in its internal affairs, and emphasized the importance of intensifying consultations and coordination to continue working towards establishing security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Regarding the Renaissance Dam, Egypt, in a letter to the UN Security Council, firmly rejected Ethiopia’s unilateral policies, which violate the principles of international law and breach the Declaration of Principles signed between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia in 2015, as well as the Security Council’s presidential statement of 15 September 2021. Egypt stressed that it has long been at the forefront of countries supporting development in the Nile Basin, emphasizing that development can be achieved for all parties if cooperative practices aligned with international law are followed, without harming others, and if regional connectivity is enhanced.

In conclusion, Egypt’s foreign policy soars on two wings, covering the full expanse of a region undergoing immense complexities and crises that defy near-term resolution. However, moderation, balance, diplomatic flexibility, and common ground with other nations positioned Egypt as a powerful and influential force that opened doors without further bloodshed.

*The writer is the editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram daily newspaper