Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry has said that the only way to achieve regional security and stability is through a just solution to the Palestinian issue, in accordance with international legitimacy.
Shoukry’s remarks came during a press conference, on Monday, following a Quartet meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, German counterpart Heiko Maas, and Jordan counterpart Ayman Safadi in Cairo.
He also said that Egypt is committed to establishing the Palestinian state based on the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This would take place without prejudice to Israel’s own security, and would take a number of measures to rebuild bridges of confidence, whilst making all efforts to achieve this.
He stressed that Egypt welcomes any effort aimed at finding a just solution to this issue, adding, “We are aware of the important responsibility that bears international responsibility, and the pivotal role of the US to find a solution to it.”
Shoukry said that Egypt is looking forward to working with the US and international forums, in order to make progress on the issue on all the ideas presented, appreciating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA).
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi emphasised his keenness, on Monday morning, to meet with the four Foreign Ministers who attended the Quartet meeting. The President’s wish came out of a keenness to advance the efforts of the peace process, and emphasise the importance that Egypt attaches to the Palestinian cause.
Shoukry added that the Palestinian issue is a central issue to Arab countries. He said that the prospects for reaching a permanent and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue would unlock all opportunities for the region to benefit from peace and stability.
Egypt hosted the Quartet ministerial meeting on Palestine, on Monday, within the framework of the Munich Group. The Quartet includes the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Egypt, Jordan, France, and Germany. They met to discuss the completion of efforts to conduct new effective negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis based on the two-state solution.
