Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held extensive talks on Sunday with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during an official visit to Cairo, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating positions on regional developments.
The meeting, attended by Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry, addressed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and deepen coordination amid ongoing regional challenges.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and popular ties between Egypt and Syria, describing them as a foundation for renewed cooperation.
He reiterated that Egypt’s position on the Syrian crisis has consistently been based on supporting efforts to restore security and stability, while preserving Syria’s unity and territorial integrity.
Support for Sovereignty and Stability
During the talks, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and stressed full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and independence.
He underscored the importance of preserving Syrian state institutions and rejected all forms of foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. He also highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, including addressing the issue of foreign fighters.
Egypt Condemns Israeli Actions
On the regional front, Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s firm rejection of what he described as Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty.
He condemned attempts by Israeli forces to exploit the situation in Syria to expand territorial control, calling for adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and reiterating Egypt’s longstanding position in favor of ending Israeli occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights.
Regional Developments Discussed
The discussions also covered fast-moving regional developments, including ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations and efforts to reduce tensions in the region.
Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Lebanon, with Abdelatty stressing the importance of coordinated regional and international efforts to prevent further escalation and safeguard broader regional stability.
