Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a sign of continued diplomatic engagement between Cairo and Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, during which he shared the outcomes of the recent U.S.-Russia summit held in Alaska on August 15.
Lavrov emphasized the summit’s significance as a constructive step toward creating a more favorable climate for addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. He noted that the dialogue with Washington, despite differences, holds the potential to ease global tensions and contribute to international efforts aimed at de-escalation.
Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s close monitoring of the summit’s developments, underscoring the country’s firm belief in the necessity of comprehensive political settlements. He reiterated Egypt’s longstanding position that diplomacy and dialogue should be the primary tools for resolving conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, which continues to have wide-reaching global repercussions.
Beyond the discussion of U.S.-Russia relations, the call also covered key aspects of bilateral relations between Egypt and Russia. Both ministers reviewed cooperation across various sectors and exchanged views on pressing regional developments, particularly the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the broader challenges facing the Middle East.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on water security and transboundary water resource management, with Abdelatty conveying Egypt’s deep concerns regarding the Nile River and its implications for national water security. He briefed Lavrov on Egypt’s position, emphasizing the importance of adherence to international law in managing shared water resources.
The Egyptian minister underlined the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization and called for mutual cooperation among Nile Basin countries, while firmly rejecting any unilateral actions that could jeopardize Egypt’s water rights. Abdelatty stressed that Egypt would not hesitate to take all necessary measures guaranteed under international law to safeguard its national water interests.
Turning to the Iranian nuclear file, the Egyptian Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of preserving diplomatic channels and fostering an environment conducive to resuming cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He affirmed that such efforts are essential to rebuilding mutual trust and contributing to regional security and stability.
The phone conversation reflects the ongoing coordination between Cairo and Moscow on bilateral matters and broader international issues, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a regional interlocutor advocating for diplomacy, legal frameworks, and peaceful conflict resolution.
