Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the necessity of implementing the second phase of the Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement to ensure a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, during a call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi onTuesday.
Abdelatty told Wang that fulfilling the agreement’s entitlements was crucial to stabilising the calm and preventing renewed escalation in the enclave, according to a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf.
The Egyptian minister emphasised that a sustainable ceasefire must be accompanied by the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid in necessary quantities. He also called for support for early recovery and reconstruction efforts to pave the way for the Palestinian Authority to resume its duties in Gaza, within a framework that preserves Palestinian territorial unity.
Wang said that the Gaza conflict has lasted for more than two years, claiming the lives of over 70,000 Palestinian civilians, and that this grave humanitarian catastrophe must be brought to an end.
Post-conflict governance in Gaza must be considered in conjunction with a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue. Wang said, adding that firstly, the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine” must be upheld, with Gaza’s future and destiny in the hands of the Palestinian people themselves.
Secondly, the legitimate concerns of Middle Eastern countries must be taken into account, with the voices of Arab countries genuinely heard and their role effectively brought into play, Wang said.
Thirdly, efforts must be aligned with the correct direction of the two-state solution and linked to the goal of realizing an independent statehood of Palestine, Wang said, adding that the United Nations and the UN Security Council must be effectively involved and supported in playing their due role in post-conflict governance in Gaza.
Wang added that President Xi’s announcement of a new round of Chinese assistance to Palestine is aimed at easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supporting its recovery and reconstruction. China speaks highly of Egypt’s positive efforts and will continue to support Egypt in playing a constructive role in safeguarding regional peace, working together to promote an early comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, Wang said.
Regarding the West Bank, Abdelatty warned of the “dangerous situation” caused by rising settler violence and continued land confiscation policies, urging immediate international intervention to stop violations that threaten to widen the circle of tension.
The two ministers also discussed the conflict in Sudan. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s call for a humanitarian truce leading to a comprehensive ceasefire, alongside the provision of safe corridors for aid delivery. He affirmed Cairo’s support for Sudan’s unity and national institutions.
On bilateral ties, Abdelatty expressed hope to convene the fifth round of the Strategic Dialogue and the joint committee between the two nations, coinciding with the upcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
The minister acknowledged the contribution of Chinese companies to major projects in Egypt, specifically the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital.
Abdelatty invited further Chinese investment in artificial intelligence and digitalisation, highlighting Egypt’s focus on industrial localisation and technology transfer.
China will host the second China-Arab States Summit next year, Wang said, adding that Egypt is an important member of the Arab world, and China is ready to enhance communication with Egypt to ensure the success of the summit. Wang said that China welcomes Egyptian leaders to China for this major event.
