Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Amid growing regional instability, Egypt has renewed calls for the creation of a joint Arab force to confront threats facing the Middle East, warning that continued escalation could lead to “comprehensive chaos.”
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during the fourth ministerial meeting between Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers, held virtually on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Albudaiwi also in attendance.
In a statement on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s “firm and strong support” for the Gulf states and condemned recent attacks attributed to Iran. He emphasized Egypt’s “categorical rejection of any pretexts aimed at undermining the sovereignty or capabilities of the brotherly Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq,” stressing that “the security of the Gulf states is an integral part of Egyptian and Arab national security.”
Abdelatty also highlighted the urgent need to de-escalate tensions through diplomacy and dialogue, underscoring the importance of safeguarding freedom of international maritime navigation and warning that any attempts to obstruct shipping would threaten both regional stability and global trade flows.
Egypt is pushing for the activation of Arab national security frameworks, including the Arab League’s 1950 Joint Defense and Economic Cooperation Treaty, and has called for practical steps toward establishing a joint Arab force to protect Arab sovereignty. Earlier this week, Abdelatty told the Egyptian cabinet that Cairo is leading initiatives to operationalize the force.
The GCC foreign ministers praised Egypt’s “principled, strong, and supportive positions,” commending its condemnation of attacks targeting Gulf states and its continued support for the Palestinian cause. They highlighted Egypt’s role in strengthening joint Arab action, safeguarding regional security, and supporting Arab interests during a period of heightened volatility.
Officials also reviewed bilateral institutional ties, noting progress since the signing of a memorandum of understanding on political consultations and the adoption of a joint action plan for 2024–2028. The ministers highlighted momentum from the Egyptian-Gulf Trade and Investment Forum hosted in Cairo last November and discussed elevating relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at boosting economic, trade, and investment cooperation for the region’s benefit.
Abdelatty’s renewed call for a coordinated Arab defense mechanism comes amid broader regional crises, including rising tensions along Israel’s northern front with Lebanon, escalating U.S.-Iran strikes, and attacks on key Gulf energy infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for collective Arab security measures.
