Ashraf AboArafe
Within the framework of Egypt’s contacts to stop the dangerous escalation in the region, especially in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, and to prevent it from slipping into a regional war, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, made a phone call on Monday, October 7, with Mr. David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, where he discussed the rapid and dangerous developments in Lebanon. The Foreign Minister stressed the seriousness of the Israeli ground incursion into southern Lebanon, affirming Egypt’s complete rejection of any infringement on Lebanese sovereignty and the urgent need to achieve a ceasefire and combine international efforts to contain the situation and stop the escalation on the part of Israel. He stressed the importance of empowering the Lebanese army to ensure Lebanon’s stability in light of the current critical stage. He also stressed the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution No. 1701 with all its elements by all parties. The call addressed the presidential vacancy in Lebanon, pointing out the importance of supporting Lebanon to end this stage and elect a president for the country.
Ambassador Tamim Khilaf, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Minister of Foreign Affairs condemned the continued repeated Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, reiterating the importance of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the need to exert pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian and relief aid to reach the Strip in light of the obstacles imposed by the Israeli side. Dr. Abdel Aati stressed Egypt’s position rejecting the continued Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian side of the Rafah Crossing. The call between the two foreign ministers also touched on bilateral relations, as the two ministers agreed to quickly hold the second session of the Egyptian-British Partnership Council to work on supporting strategic relations between the two countries, as well as exploring new frameworks to enhance economic and trade cooperation to allow Egyptian exports to reach Britain and support British investments in Egypt, especially in light of the extensive measures and reforms taken by the Egyptian government to improve the investment and business environment and encourage the private sector and foreign companies to invest in Egypt.
