File photo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty (L), EU Commissioner for Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica (M), and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas (R)
According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Abdelatty's calls come within the framework of Egypt's ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
EU top diplomat
During his phone call with Kallas, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's firm rejection of Israel's expansion of aggression in Gaza, stressing the need to achieve a just and sustainable settlement of the Palestinian cause.
The Egyptian FM also expressed Cairo's full rejection of Israel's recent decisions to expand settlements in the West Bank as well as recent statements calling for the realisation of so-called "Greater Israel," which fuel extremism, tension, escalation, and instability in the region.
Abdelatty underscored Israel's full responsibility as the occupying power to open its five crossings to guarantee the delivery of humanitarian and medical supplies and to remove all current obstacles and barriers.
He also underscored the importance of reaching a political solution that enables the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the right to self-determination and to establish their independent state.
Moreover, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's intensive efforts, in cooperation with Qatar and the US, to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, facilitate aid delivery, and secure the release of captives and several Palestinian detainees.
He also outlined Egypt's preparations to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza immediately once a ceasefire is reached, in coordination with regional and global partners, including the EU.
For her part, the EU top diplomat commended Egypt's persistent efforts aimed at de-escalation, achieving a ceasefire, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza through aid delivery.
She expressed the EU's keenness to participate in the reconstruction conference and to work with Egypt to ensure unimpeded aid delivery and the success of ceasefire efforts.
EU Mediterranean commissioner
According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Abdelatty held another call with the EU Mediterranean commissioner, where he reaffirmed Cairo's categorical rejection of Israel's settlement policies and attempts to entrench its illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.
Abdelatty stressed that these policies are a blatant violation of international law, calling for intensive European efforts and pressures to swiftly reach a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the entry of humanitarian and relief aid.
He shed light on Israel's restrictions, which prevent the flow of humanitarian, medical, and relief supplies into Gaza, condemning Israel's starvation policies against civilians.
For her part, Šuica expressed the EU's appreciation for Egypt's tireless efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and secure humanitarian aid access.
She reiterated the EU's aspiration to participate in the reconstruction conference and cooperate with Egypt to ensure aid delivery without hindrance, emphasising that Egypt is a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East.
The call also touched on the Egypt-EU ties, where Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo's keenness to continue strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Egypt and the EU, implementing its six pillars, and activating the outcomes of the Egypt–EU Investment Conference held in June 2024.
He further praised the rapid development of Egypt–EU relations and cooperation across political, economic, and trade fields, looking forward to holding the first Egypt–EU summit later this year.
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