During the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to address bilateral cooperation, regional tensions, and trade opportunities. Discussions included urgent appeals for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon and the establishment of a Palestinian state, alongside enhancing economic partnerships.
On Wednesday, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in discussions with his Russian and Brazilian counterparts during the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia. In his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Abdelatty addressed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, particularly joint development initiatives, while expressing apprehensions regarding the escalating tension in the Middle East. “We exchanged views on the latest developments in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasising the deteriorating regional situation and the risk of the region sliding into a regional war that could destabilise the entire area,” Abdelatty stated. He underscored Egypt’s commitment to facilitating an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian assistance, while advocating for de-escalation and the establishment of a ceasefire. “Both ministers agreed on the necessity of ending the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon,” he added. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of pursuing a political solution that ensures stability through the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state, which he posited as the ultimate resolution to the regional conflict. The discussions between Abdelatty and Lavrov extended to enhancing bilateral relations and advancing both nations’ economic interests aligned with their BRICS association. In a subsequent meeting, Abdelatty conferred with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on enhancing trade and investment opportunities between Egypt and Brazil within both bilateral and BRICS frameworks, highlighting the potential for utilizing national currencies in commercial exchanges. “The ministers emphasised the importance of leveraging the expertise and resources available to both sides to expand access to regional and international markets, particularly in Africa, where Egypt enjoys a strong competitive advantage, especially after the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,” reported the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Furthermore, discussions with Vieira included urgent responses to the precarious situation in the Middle East, acknowledging the high probability of the region spiraling into a wider conflict due to Israeli military actions. “They emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid,” stated the press release. Additionally, both ministers deliberated the forthcoming actions concerning the Friends of Peace initiative, which Egypt endorsed during a ministerial meeting convened by China and Brazil in September, amid the UN General Assembly’s high-level segment in New York.
The current geopolitical climate within the Middle East, notably marked by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, has rendered it imperative for regional powers such as Egypt to engage in diplomatic discussions with key global players like Russia and Brazil. The BRICS summit, a platform assembling nations with emergent economies, represents a significant opportunity for nations to foster partnerships aimed at addressing pressing global issues. Egypt’s proactive engagement in these discussions showcases its efforts to seek regional stability and economic collaboration amidst ongoing crises.
In conclusion, the discussions held by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Russian and Brazilian counterparts at the BRICS summit encapsulated critical concerns regarding regional instability in the Middle East. Emphasizing the urgency of establishing a ceasefire and humanitarian support, the meetings also focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations, reflecting Egypt’s strategic alignment within the BRICS framework to bolster cooperation with its international partners. Such engagements underline the vital role of diplomatic dialogues in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and striving for peaceful resolutions.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
