Ashraf AboArafe
Abdel Aty: “Dealing with the migration phenomenon must be based on a comprehensive vision and approach”
Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, opened the second ministerial meeting of the Khartoum Process to Combat Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The meeting is hosted by Cairo as part of Egypt’s presidency of the process since April 2024. The process aims to coordinate international efforts and address migration issues between the shores of the Mediterranean and the Horn of Africa.
The opening session of the conference was attended by Mr. Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration; Ms. Angela Martens, Chargé d’Affaires of the African Union Commission for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, Development and Social Affairs; and Mr. Michael Spindelegger, Director General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development. Representatives of nearly 50 countries from Europe and the Horn of Africa, as well as regional and international partner organizations, also participated.
In his opening remarks, Minister Abdel Aty emphasized that the Khartoum Process Ministerial Meeting represents a unique platform for political cooperation, aiming to achieve tangible results through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and support in key migration areas. He added that Egypt had the honor of chairing the Khartoum Process twice over the course of ten years, reflecting its unwavering commitment to the principles of the process. He noted that, through its presidency, Egypt sought to advance the platform’s work toward broader and more ambitious horizons, out of its belief that addressing the phenomenon of migration in general, and combating illegal migration in particular, must be based on a comprehensive vision and approach grounded in equal cooperation, practical solidarity, and respect for human dignity. This approach should also take into account the security and developmental aspects of migration, address its root causes, and adhere to the principle of burden and responsibility sharing to strengthen the resilience of communities hosting migrants.
In a related context, Minister Abdel Aty highlighted the achievements of Egypt’s presidency of the process over the past year, highlighting the Egyptian side’s efforts to build on previous achievements and address new challenges. He also reviewed the priorities of the Egyptian presidency, which include supporting regular migration routes, enhancing labor mobility and skills development, and linking these to sustainable development paths. He added that Egypt has paid great attention to the importance of integrating humanitarian and development dimensions in addressing displacement crises, and the growing relationship between climate change, migration, and displacement.
Separately, Minister Abdel Aty highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts on the migration issue, noting that Egypt is home to more than 10 million foreigners, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from 133 countries. He noted that Egypt allows them freedom of movement and access to all services, just like Egyptian citizens, despite the increasing number of new foreign arrivals.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that Egypt has continued its efforts to combat illegal migration over the past years, applying a comprehensive approach by addressing root causes, strengthening legal pathways, supporting sustainable and inclusive development, enhancing border management, and raising awareness among citizens. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility in confronting the challenges of migration within a collective framework.
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