Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Washington D.C. recently to discuss regional security concerns and strengthen Egyptian-American relations. During the visit, Abdelatty met with key figures, including representatives from a US think tank and a senator. On February 10, Abdelatty met with leaders and senior researchers at the Hudson Institute, an American think tank, where he was received by the institute's president, John Walters. Discussions covered a range of topics, including Egyptian-American relations and regional developments affecting the stability of the Middle East. Abdelatty emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership between Egypt and the United States in maintaining regional security and stability, highlighting the mutual benefits derived from cooperation in political, security, military, and economic areas. He called for increased trade, economic cooperation, and investment between the two countries, noting Egypt's economic reforms and efforts to attract foreign investment. The meeting included discussions on developments in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, including the situations in Gaza, Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, as well as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Red Sea maritime security, and the challenges of terrorism and extremism. Abdelatty outlined Egypt's position on these issues, with a particular focus on the Palestinian question. He detailed Egypt's efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, and facilitate early recovery and reconstruction while upholding the right of Palestinians to remain on their land. Regarding Sudan, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's support for Sudanese state institutions, a ceasefire, and respect for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Concerning Syria, Abdelatty emphasised the importance of respecting Syria's unity and territorial integrity, and the need for an inclusive political process that encompasses all segments of Syrian society, enabling Syria to become a source of regional stability. On the GERD issue, Abdelatty stressed that water security remains a top priority for Egypt's national security, and that Egypt is committed to establishing a legally binding framework for cooperation on the Nile River, in accordance with relevant international law. During the meeting, Abdelatty listened to the insights and assessments of the American experts and specialists at the institute regarding regional issues. Earlier in his visit, on February 9, Abdelatty met with Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations Committees. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting focused on bolstering the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's efforts to support security and stability in the Middle East, noting the central role of the Egyptian-American partnership and joint cooperation. The meeting included a detailed discussion on the latest developments concerning the Palestinian issue. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's efforts to implement and sustain the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, expedite the flow of humanitarian aid, and initiate early recovery and reconstruction efforts within a defined timeframe, while ensuring that Palestinians are not displaced from their land. He underscored the unified Arab stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians. Abdelatty also stressed the importance of creating a political path forward for the Palestinian issue, leading to an independent Palestinian state and the realization of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. Abdelatty's meetings in Washington D.C. demonstrated Egypt's commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations with the United States and working towards regional stability through dialogue and cooperation, according to the Minister's office.
