Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty welcomed U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Cairo on Sunday for high-level discussions aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States.
The talks focused on key regional issues, including Gaza, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, underscoring the importance of Egypt’s role in regional stability and diplomacy.
Gaza: Support for Peace Plan
On Gaza, Egypt reiterated its support for the next phase of the peace plan. Abdel-Aty emphasized the need for:
- The rapid deployment of an international stabilization force.
- The opening of the Rafah border crossing in both directions.
- An Israeli withdrawal to enable reconstruction and sustained humanitarian aid.
Egypt’s position reflects its longstanding role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its commitment to humanitarian relief.
Sudan: Call for Humanitarian Truce
Turning to Sudan, Cairo called for:
- A humanitarian truce to ease suffering.
- The establishment of safe corridors for aid delivery.
- A Sudanese-led political process that preserves the country’s unity and institutions.
Egypt stressed that stability in Sudan is vital for the broader region.
Horn of Africa: Warning on Somaliland Recognition
Abdel-Aty also issued a strong warning against any recognition of Somaliland, stating that such a move would violate Somalia’s sovereignty and threaten stability in both the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
Nile and GERD: Egypt’s Lifeline
Reaffirming Egypt’s stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Abdel-Aty described the Nile as Egypt’s lifeline. He vowed continued cooperation with Nile Basin states while expressing concern that the dam could reduce water flow to Egypt and Sudan, potentially causing severe shortages.
Conclusion
The Cairo talks highlight Egypt’s pivotal role in addressing regional crises and its enduring partnership with the United States. From Gaza to Sudan and the Horn of Africa, Egypt continues to position itself as a key player in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation across the region.
