Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty held a phone call on Tuesday with Jonathan Powell, the British National Security Adviser, to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual concern. The two sides reviewed relations between Egypt and the United Kingdom, with a focus on upgrading them to the level of a strategic partnership to deepen cooperation across various fields. On regional issues, Abdel-Aty and Powell exchanged views on the developments in Gaza. Abdel-Aty condemned Israel's ongoing violations of international humanitarian law, including targeting journalists, medical and humanitarian workers, and the Israeli raid on Ramallah. He stressed Egypt's rejection of Israel's continued crimes in Gaza and its obstruction of humanitarian and medical aid, which has led to an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe and famine. He called for the international community to assume its responsibilities and act effectively to stop the Israeli war on Gaza. Abdel-Aty welcomed the announcement by a number of Western countries, including the United Kingdom, of their intention to recognise the State of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. He said that broadening recognition of a Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders is the only path to achieve lasting security and stability for all peoples of the region. The minister also raised the case of Egyptian national Ahmed Abdel Qader, who was arrested in London on Monday, August 25. Abdel-Aty requested clarification on the circumstances and reasons for his arrest and expressed Egypt's expectation for swift investigations and his early release. Abdel-Aty instructed the Egyptian embassy in London to follow up closely with the relevant British authorities to determine the circumstances of the arrest, provide all necessary consular services, and work for Abdel Qader's release. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
