TOKYO(RAHNUMA): Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted the strong strategic partnership between Egypt and Japan, describing the relationship as boundless and emphasizing the importance of increased Japanese investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan on June 4, Minister Abdelatty praised ongoing cultural and educational cooperation, highlighting the success of Egyptian Japanese schools and the Grand Egyptian Museum. He encouraged more Japanese companies to invest in Egypt, describing the country as “a strategic gateway to Africa and the Middle East.”
Minister Abdelatty traveled to Tokyo for the third round of strategic dialogue between Egypt and Japan, engaging in a series of high-level meetings. His visit included discussions with Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae, Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu, the Minister of Education, and key figures from JICA, JBIC, the private sector, and academia.
When asked about Egypt’s foreign policy, Minister Abdelatty unveiled a vision of strategic balancing. He explained that Egypt forges robust ties with global powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and European nations, guided solely by national interests and a steadfast commitment to multilateralism and international law.
Abdelatty declared the Palestinian cause central to achieving enduring peace and stability in the region. He insisted that true security hinges on resolving this conflict and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
He painted a grim picture of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, pointing to dire shortages of medical and humanitarian aid and Israel’s blocking of relief efforts. Abdelatty also spotlighted the escalating violence and de facto annexation in the West Bank. While Egypt is helping clear debris and open roads, Minister Abdulatty urged that the magnitude of the crisis demands swift international action.
Looking ahead to Gaza’s recovery, he called for urgent early-recovery steps, such as restoring clinics, hospitals, and schools, rather than waiting for long-term reconstruction. Minister Abdelatty pressed Israel to honor the Trump peace plan, starting with Phase One: allowing more aid trucks into Gaza and rebuilding vital infrastructure. He highlighted the need to advance to Phase Two, which includes disarming and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Abdelatty warned that the ongoing conflict with Iran has shifted global focus away from these pressing matters.
Acknowledging Japan’s global influence, the Minister urged Tokyo to step up its involvement in Middle East diplomacy. He praised Japan’s reputation as a neutral and trusted partner and called for united efforts to ease tensions with Iran through dialogue and peaceful solutions rather than military force.
When questioned about regional security, the Egyptian Foreign Minister reaffirmed the need for a collective security system rooted in respect for sovereignty and a strict ban on the use of force. He stressed that every regional partner abiding by international law must be included in such a framework.
