Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced on Sunday the completion of a proposed Egyptian-Arab plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The plan is scheduled to be presented to Arab leaders at the emergency summit hosted by Cairo on March 4th.
Abdelatty made the announcement during a joint press conference with Dubravka Šuica, the European Union Commissioner for Mediterranean. He stated that the Arab League summit must approve the plan before it is presented to any foreign parties.
“No party can be involved in the details of the plan before it is approved by the leaders, presidents, and heads of state next Tuesday,” Abdelatty said.
Earlier on Sunday, Abdelatty received Šuica for political consultations to discuss Egyptian-European relations and review the latest regional and international developments of mutual interest.
According to Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s support for the creation of a European Commission position dedicated to Mediterranean affairs. Abdelatty stressed the importance of the economic aspect of this partnership and his desire for the passage of the draft resolution concerning the second tranche of the European financial package, valued at €4bn.
Abdelatty affirmed the Egyptian government’s priority of attracting European investments, highlighting Egypt’s investment opportunities in various sectors and the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a global logistics centre and an attractive area for global investments. He noted opportunities for cooperation in the field of energy to enhance European energy security. Addressing the issue of immigration, Abdelatty stressed that cooperation must be within a comprehensive framework, linking migration to development, addressing the causes of irregular migration, and strengthening partnership in the field of regular migration. He also outlined the burdens Egypt bears in hosting millions of refugees and migrants.
Khallaf said that the consultations included discussions on regional developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip. Abdelatty briefed Šuica on Egypt’s efforts to ensure the stabilisation and sustainability of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the development of a reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has Arab and Islamic support. He expressed hope for EU support for Egyptian efforts, emphasising the need for a permanent and just political solution to the Palestinian issue, leading to an independent Palestinian state as the only path to regional peace.
Abdelatty also reviewed Egypt’s position on developments in Syria, reiterating Egypt’s support for the Syrian state, respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the importance of Syria as a source of stability in the region through a comprehensive political process involving all components of the Syrian population.
Regarding Lebanon, Abdelatty welcomed the Lebanese government’s gaining the confidence of members of the House of Representatives, calling it an important step towards achieving security and stability in Lebanon. He affirmed Egypt’s full support for Lebanon, its government, and its national institutions. Abdelatty also emphasised the importance of implementing the cessation of hostilities agreement and Israel’s complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The consultations further addressed the situations in Sudan, where Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s full support for the Sudanese people, citing fraternal relations and historical ties between the two countries. He stressed Egypt’s support for Sudan and its national institutions, and its commitment to strengthening its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, while also supporting humanitarian efforts.
On Libya, Abdelatty stressed the importance of resolving the crisis of the executive authority and forming a new unified government as soon as possible, leading to presidential and parliamentary elections. He stated his support for a Libyan-led solution and the need to end all manifestations of foreign presence in Libya, preserving its unity and sovereignty.
