Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
On Tuesday, April 7, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Badr Abdel-Aati, held phone consultations with the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan, and Portugal to discuss regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions. The calls involved Penny Wong, Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Paulo Rangel, Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions focused on bilateral relations, exploring ways to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly trade and investment, to advance shared interests and expand economic collaboration.
Regarding regional developments, the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan, and Portugal expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s intensive efforts to contain the dangerous escalation in the region and support diplomatic processes. They reaffirmed their full backing of Egypt’s initiatives to defuse tensions and prevent further deterioration, noting the broad economic repercussions of continued disruptions to freedom of navigation, global trade, supply chains, food security, and energy security.
During the calls, Minister Abdel-Aati highlighted Egypt’s coordinated efforts with regional partners to de-escalate military tensions. He discussed proposals aimed at achieving calm and reaching a hopeful breakthrough, emphasizing the critical nature of the current stage and the need for combined regional and international efforts to prevent outcomes that could seriously threaten regional security and stability.
The ministers also exchanged views on other regional issues, with particular focus on developments in the Palestinian territories. Minister Abdel-Aati detailed Egypt’s efforts to restore security and stability in Gaza, provide humanitarian and medical aid, and support international stabilization efforts. He reiterated Egypt’s firm condemnation of Israeli settlement policies in the West Bank and actions infringing upon the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.
In conclusion, the ministers emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation during this sensitive period and pledged to intensify joint efforts to support regional security and stability.
