Sisi affirms to Al-Hakim Egypt's constant commitment to Iraq's security and stability
- Madbouli emphasizes Cairo’s rejection of any changes to the contours of the West Bank
- Al-Azhar Observatory warns of rising hate incidents against Muslims in Scotland
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during his reception of Iraqi political figure Ammar Al-Hakim, head of the Iraqi Wisdom Current, in Cairo, affirmed “the historic fraternal relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples,” stressing his country’s commitment “to maintaining communication with the Iraqi state institutions and all political and national forces.”
The Presidential Palace stated in a statement on Thursday that El-Sisi reaffirmed “Egypt’s constant concern for the security and stability of Iraq, and its support for all measures taken by the Iraqi state to preserve its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity,” pointing to “the government’s efforts to combat corruption and consolidate the monopoly on weapons.”
The Egyptian president commended “Iraq’s pivotal role in the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology, and in uprooting their roots, as well as the constructive role played by Ammar Al-Hakim in enhancing stability, reducing political differences, and prioritizing Iraq’s national interests.”
El-Sisi also addressed his country’s efforts in “supporting the brotherly Palestinian people, through the implementation of the second phase of the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement and the American peace plan, the delivery of aid, and intensifying humanitarian relief efforts in the Gaza Strip.”
For his part, Al-Hakim, during the meeting attended by the Head of the General Intelligence Service, Hassan Rashad, expressed “pride in the historic relations and fraternal ties between Egypt and Iraq.”
He emphasized “the pivotal role played by Egypt under the leadership of President El-Sisi in enhancing security and stability in the region, including supporting Iraq and its efforts to restore its natural leading position at both the Arab and regional levels,” affirming his “commitment to consulting with the Egyptian president on regional developments and understanding his vision for de-escalation and reducing current geopolitical tensions, while shielding Iraq from their negative repercussions.”
In New York, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, during his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Ali Al-Zaidi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, stressed “the importance of joint efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, prioritize dialogue, and support efforts aimed at calming the situation and resolving crises through political and diplomatic means, thereby safeguarding the security and stability of the region and preventing further tensions.”
Madbouli also stated that “there is genuine appreciation for the role of President El-Sisi and Egypt in mediation efforts and attempts to establish peace in the Middle East, a sentiment that was evident during the meetings held by the Egyptian delegation on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.”
He explained to “Al-Qahera Al-Ekhebia” that “Egypt enjoys respect and appreciation due to its role in mediation efforts and handling regional issues, and this appreciation is linked to the steadfastness and clarity of Egypt’s position.”
He noted that “parties dealing with Egypt see that Cairo’s position is firm, established, and unchanging, and that what Egypt declares aligns with what it implements on the ground. This reinforces the recourse to Egypt to contribute to further mediation efforts in the coming period, as has been the case in the past,” affirming Cairo’s continued “performance of its role in files requiring action to contain crises and support peace efforts.”
He added that “among the most prominent files discussed during the meetings in New York were the developments in the Middle East, efforts to halt conflicts and contain their repercussions, as well as the Palestinian issue. Egypt continues its political and diplomatic movements to support mediation efforts and establish peace, while adhering to its declared positions on regional issues.”
He clarified that Egypt “reaffirmed, during its participation in the United Nations General Assembly sessions, its position supporting the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state, amid the ongoing developments in the Palestinian territories. The discussions also addressed concerns over Israel’s attempts to alter the character of the West Bank and impose a new fait accompli through the destruction of the Gaza Strip.” He emphasized that Egypt “remains committed to the two-state solution as the pathway it advocates for resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving stability in the region.”
He underscored “Egypt’s unequivocal condemnation of any aggression against Gulf states and any attempts to undermine their security and stability, viewing them as an extension of Egypt’s national security, and the necessity of safeguarding security, safety, and freedom of navigation.”
In a separate development, the Al-Azhar Observatory for Countering Extremism in Cairo warned of a surge in anti-Muslim sentiment in Scotland, following a series of attacks and hate incidents targeting several mosques and members of the Muslim community in the city. Offensive and anti-Muslim slogans, such as “Get out of Scotland,” were written on mosque walls, alongside a series of attacks described as “terrorist,” which have sparked shock and deep concern within the Muslim community.
