Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Oman have reiterated their support for Yemeni-led dialogue hosted in Riyadh, emphasizing the need for a political settlement to Yemen’s long-running crisis that addresses southern grievances while preserving the country’s unity and stability.
The position was affirmed during talks in Cairo between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, as the two sides reviewed bilateral relations and coordinated positions on a range of regional conflicts, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
Their comments come as Saudi Arabia hosts high-level discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions in Yemen and reconciling rival political and military factions, particularly in the south. The Riyadh talks are seen as a renewed effort to advance an inclusive political process after years of fragmentation, armed conflict, and stalled negotiations.
Egypt and Oman both stressed that any political settlement must be Yemeni-led and grounded in dialogue rather than force, reflecting shared concerns about the risks of further division in a country already weakened by more than a decade of war. Oman has long played a mediating role in Yemen, maintaining channels of communication with multiple parties, while Egypt has consistently emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional stability and maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
Beyond Yemen, the ministers aligned their positions on other pressing regional crises. On the Palestinian issue, Abdelatty and Al Busaidi reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They called for an immediate lifting of the siege on Gaza and other occupied territories to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and to facilitate reconstruction efforts amid widespread destruction and civilian suffering.
On Sudan, the two ministers voiced deep concern over the ongoing conflict, underscoring the need to halt military escalation, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance. They stressed that aid delivery should be coordinated through the United Nations and its partner organizations and reiterated their support for a Sudanese-led political process capable of restoring stability and preventing further state collapse.
The Cairo meeting concluded with a pledge to maintain close coordination between Egypt and Oman to strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to regional security. Both sides emphasized adherence to international law, respect for state sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts as guiding principles in addressing the Middle East’s interconnected crises.
The talks reflect a broader convergence between Cairo and Muscat on regional diplomacy, as both countries seek to balance support for political dialogue with calls for de-escalation at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East and North Africa.
