Australia, Japan, and Portugal have backed Egyptian efforts to contain regional military escalation and support a diplomatic path to avoid an “explosion” of violence, Egypt’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate telephone calls with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel to discuss the “critical phase” currently facing the region.
The three ministers expressed their “deep appreciation” for the intensive efforts led by the Egyptian leadership to contain the dangerous escalation. They emphasised their full support for Cairo’s role in defusing tensions, citing the broad economic risks to global trade, freedom of navigation, supply chains, and food and energy security resulting from continued conflict.
Abdelatty warned his counterparts that the sensitivity of the current stage requires concerted international and regional action to prevent an explosion of the situation, which would have “highly dangerous consequences” for regional security and stability. He reviewed Egyptian proposals aimed at achieving a breakthrough and military calm.
The discussions also addressed developments in the Palestinian territories. Abdelatty outlined Egyptian efforts to restore security and stability in Gaza, provide humanitarian and medical aid, and support an international stability force. He reaffirmed Egypt’s “categorical condemnation” of Israeli annexation and settlement policies in the West Bank, alongside violations affecting the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.
In addition to regional security, the ministers discussed bilateral cooperation. They explored ways to enhance trade and investment to serve mutual economic interests and move cooperation toward broader horizons.
The foreign ministers concluded by underlining their commitment to intensifying mutual consultation and coordination during the coming period to bolster regional stability.
