Egypt and Qatar affirm alignment of their views on ensuring the security and safety of international navigation
Cairo, Aug 20 (KUNA) -- Egypt and Qatar affirmed on Thursday their aligned views on the importance of ensuring the security and safety of navigation in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as the necessity of full compliance with international law rules. This came during a joint press conference held by Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, following the conclusion of their talks and the proceedings of the seventh session of the Egyptian-Qatari Supreme Joint Committee in the city of Alamein.
Abdelatty stressed at the press conference that the security of Qatar and the Gulf brotherly states constitutes an integral part of Egypt’s national security and Arab national security, affirming his country’s solidarity with Qatar and the Gulf states in the face of Iranian aggression.
In a separate context, Abdelatty called on the international community to take action and exert pressure to ensure that the Israeli occupation fulfills its obligations and commitments, referring to the obligations of the first phase, which have not yet been fully implemented after a year has passed. He expressed hope that the United States would continue its leadership efforts to ensure the Israeli side implements all its commitments.
Regarding the main obstacle to implementing the second phase of the “Trump” plan, Abdelatty emphasized the alignment of views and full coordination between Egypt and Qatar at the highest levels, which resulted in Palestinian factions accepting the principle of handing over and restricting weapons in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian National Authority. He noted that “coordination with Qatar and Turkey achieved this breakthrough.”
On bilateral relations between Egypt and Qatar, the Egyptian Foreign Minister highlighted the qualitative leap witnessed in ties between the two countries in recent years, noting that the volume of trade had increased by 80 percent. He added that the “Eldorado” deal exceeds $29 billion, expressing pride in this agreement, which reflects full confidence in Egypt’s investment climate, and announced that other initiatives and projects would follow.
For his part, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman praised Qatari-Egyptian relations, describing them as deep-rooted fraternal ties with a long history and depth. He affirmed the constant pursuit of the aspirations sought by the leaderships and peoples of both countries, emphasizing significant progress in every meeting of the Egyptian-Qatari Joint Committee.
He clarified that discussions covered several regional files, foremost among them the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, which are passing through a critical phase following the announcement by Palestinian factions of their acceptance of the peace plan and their readiness to proceed with arrangements related to weapon collection. He stated that “the ball is now in the Israeli court.”
He highlighted the substantial efforts and joint work undertaken by his country with Egypt and Turkey to reach this stage through intensive efforts to achieve this “breakthrough.” He added, “A positive response was expected, at least from the Israeli side, to implement commitments from the first phase that have not been fulfilled so far. However, as is our custom, the Israeli side has continued violations to this day, targeting civilians and escalating settlement activities, in addition to its unchecked aggression, whether in Lebanon or Syria.”
He affirmed that “Israeli actions undermine stability in the region. The region continues to extend its hand for peace and stability, but unfortunately, we see day after day the rejection of these outstretched hands.”
He noted that the meeting also discussed the crises in Sudan and Libya, with both ministers affirming support for political solutions and the unity and territorial integrity of both countries and all Arab lands.
Regarding the Iranian-American crisis, the Qatari minister highlighted his country’s efforts and mediation in partnership with Pakistan, amid the current situation that has hindered many matters. He stated that it was emphasized that it is necessary and important to ensure the freedom, security, and safety of navigation in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the importance of restoring the situation to what it was before the war.
He affirmed that Qatar is working in consultation with brothers in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the region to find other diplomatic ways with the Iranian side to return navigation to its normal course, expressing hope that this move would be a positive step toward fully defusing the crisis. He expressed his expectation that the Iranian side would assume its responsibilities, respond to the region, and consider the damage it has caused to regional countries. (End) A.S.M./T.M.A.
