Egypt: Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty has declared that Egypt is firmly against any unilateral actions in the Horn of Africa or the Red Sea that could jeopardize the sovereignty of nations in the region or heighten regional and international tensions.
According to Jordan News Agency, Abdel-Aty emphasized Egypt's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Nile Basin countries while affirming its right under international law to take necessary actions to protect its water security. He made these remarks during a plenary session of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which also featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Ant³nio, Chairperson of the African Union.
Abdel-Aty stressed that the stability of the international system relies on adherence to rules governing inter-state relations, including respect for sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs, and rejection of imposed dictates. He underscored that reforming the international system to tackle contemporary challenges is essential, with Africa poised to play a pivotal role due to its significant human, economic, and political potential.
He reiterated Africa's unified stance on reforming the UN Security Council and advocated for restructuring international financial institutions to address African countries' needs, particularly regarding technology transfer and access to concessional financing. Abdel-Aty argued that sustainable development hinges on security and stability, emphasizing Egypt's commitment to national ownership, state institution preservation, and adherence to African Union principles.
The minister called for a holistic approach to tackling the root causes of conflict and terrorism, integrating political, developmental, social, and intellectual strategies within a peace, security, and development framework. This approach involves investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare; empowering youth and women; enhancing counterterrorism capabilities; building resilient institutions; ensuring sustainable funding for African peace operations; and supporting post-conflict reconstruction through the African Union Centre for Reconstruction and Development in Cairo.
He also highlighted Egypt's efforts to resolve the Sudan crisis, support a Libyan-led political process free from external interference, secure sustainable funding for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), ensure Red Sea security and freedom of navigation, strengthen counterterrorism in the Sahel, and restore stability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.