Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, announced a significant policy shift, declaring that all physical barriers around foreign embassies in Egypt will be permanently removed, and surrounding roads reopened to ease public movement. The move, described by the minister as “final and non-negotiable,” is aimed at restoring normal traffic flow and improving the urban landscape in Cairo, which has long been disrupted by stringent security measures around diplomatic missions.
Speaking during the inaugural session of the “Maspero Cultural Salon” organized by Egypt’s National Media Authority, Abdel Aaty emphasized that the decision applies uniformly to all embassies. “Let it be absolutely clear barriers will be removed, and roads will be opened around all foreign embassies in Egypt to facilitate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians,” he said.
The announcement follows a recent diplomatic spat between Egypt and the United Kingdom after Egyptian authorities removed security barricades outside the British Embassy in Cairo. The British government responded swiftly by temporarily closing its main embassy building and launching a security review.
A subsequent statement from the UK Embassy clarified that the closure was a precautionary measure and not a diplomatic protest. Within two days, the embassy resumed full operations, affirming it had updated its travel guidance in coordination with Egyptian authorities.
The incident highlights the broader context of Egypt’s evolving foreign policy, which now appears increasingly assertive regarding reciprocity and diplomatic treatment. Minister Abdel Aaty underlined this approach, referencing recent attacks and protests outside Egyptian diplomatic missions in several European countries, including the UK. “Egypt reserves the right to respond in kind to any state that fails to uphold its responsibilities under the Vienna Convention to protect our diplomatic missions abroad,” he stated.
In particular, Egyptian officials were angered by a recent incident at the Egyptian Embassy in London, where demonstrators affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood gathered to protest Egypt’s role in controlling access to the Rafah border crossing with Gaza. Similar protests have occurred outside Egyptian embassies in Israel and several European capitals, with demonstrators accusing Cairo of obstructing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
In response, the Egyptian government has strongly defended its position, asserting its continued efforts to provide comprehensive humanitarian support to Palestinians in Gaza. According to official statements, the Rafah crossing has been operating around the clock, facilitating the entry of tens of thousands of aid trucks carrying hundreds of thousands of tons of food, medical supplies, and other essentials. Egypt has also permitted the entry of dozens of ambulances and continues to treat thousands of wounded Palestinians in its hospitals.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Cairo appears committed to balancing its security priorities with a renewed openness to the international community. The decision to remove embassy barriers may be part of a broader strategy to demonstrate transparency, order, and confidence while also signaling Egypt’s expectation of mutual respect on the global diplomatic stage.
As tensions in the region continue to fluctuate, Egypt’s foreign policy remains under close international scrutiny. Whether this new approach to diplomatic security fosters improved relations or further friction will depend largely on how foreign missions respond and whether reciprocal protections for Egyptian embassies abroad are strengthened in turn.
