Gulf stability is high on Egypt’s national security agenda, said President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday, in reference to Cairo’s growing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Speaking before top officials of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP), Mubarak said his government has been effectively confronting threats posed by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, instability in the Gulf, and the Nile Basin water dispute.
Mubarak added that these issues are being handled in a way that preserves Egypt’s national interests–including water, energy and food security–and protects its people from terrorism.
Mubarak stressed that the Palestinian cause will remain a top Egyptian foreign policy priority. He added that Egypt will work towards lifting the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, and rejected any Israeli attempts to transfer responsibility for Gaza to Egypt.
Mubarak also warned against the growing rift between Gaza and the West Bank, describing both as “occupied lands belonging to an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
