Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in London on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, part of regular bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening ties and exchanging views on regional developments.
Abdelatty opened the meeting by praising the growth of Egyptian-British relations and expressing his desire to continue developing cooperation across areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the ongoing mechanisms under the 2020 Egypt-UK Partnership Agreement to address joint initiatives with officials from both sides, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tammam Khalaf said.
The minister emphasized Egypt’s priority on deepening economic ties with the UK and attracting further British investment, noting that the UK is among Egypt’s largest cumulative foreign investors across multiple sectors. He also underscored enhancing collaboration in cultural, educational and defense fields.
Khalaf said the discussions covered regional developments, including the US-Iran negotiations.
Abdelatty briefed Cooper on Egypt’s efforts to contain regional escalation in coordination with regional and international partners, stressing that diplomacy and negotiations remain the only path to addressing the crisis. He called for support for the US-Iran dialogue to bolster regional security and stability, while warning of the severe economic consequences of continued tensions and stressing the need to ensure freedom of navigation in international waterways to protect global trade and economic stability.
The minister reaffirmed Egypt’s full solidarity with Gulf States against any threats to their security and stability.
The talks also addressed the situation in Gaza. Abdelatty urged coordinated international and regional efforts to implement the second phase of the US plan, ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian, medical and relief aid, facilitate early recovery and reconstruction and empower the Palestinian National Committee to fulfill its responsibilities toward a just and comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue. He welcomed the UK’s supportive stance toward Palestine, including its recognition of the state of Palestine.
The ministers exchanged views on other regional issues, including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa and water security, with Abdelatty outlining Egypt’s consistent positions on regional and international matters.
Cooper praised Egypt’s efforts to support security and stability in the Middle East and reiterated the UK’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties. Both ministers agreed to continue close coordination and joint efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote peace and stability.
