Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and British counterpart David Lammy discussed during a phone call on Friday, ways to promote bilateral ties and ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and allow humanitarian aid into the war-torn Palestinian enclave.
Applauding recent remarkable growth in bilateral relations, as well as the efforts made to elevate them to a strategic partnership, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to building on this momentum in bilateral relations to boost cooperation in various domains, especially at the economic, trade, and investment levels.
As for the Gaza crisis, Abdelatty said the international community must stand up against Israel’s irresponsible and unacceptable policies and statements, which threaten to extend the cycle of violence and escalation in the region.
He stated Israel’s recent practices and statements violate international law and all international norms at a time when regional and international partners are making relentless endeavors to put an end to the Israeli brutal aggression against Gaza, and ensure unconditional access to humanitarian aid in the embattled strip.
Meanwhile, the British diplomat welcomed the announcement made by some Western nations, including the UK, about their intention or willingness to consider recognizing the State of Palestine on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s regular session in September.
Lammy noted that a widespread recognition of a Palestinian state along the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only way to achieve regional security and stability.
Briefing his British counterpart on the efforts made to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amid the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave, Abdelatty stressed the need for the international community to mount pressure on Israel to end its policy of starvation against innocent civilians.
Abdelatty also reviewed ongoing arrangements to host an early recovery and reconstruction conference for Gaza, in cooperation with the Palestinian government and the UN, once a ceasefire agreement is secured.
The British minister expressed appreciation and support for Egypt’s efforts on that score.
