Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone calls on Friday with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to discuss implementing the Gaza peace deal and the escalating Sudan crisis. The talks focused on advancing to the second phase of the plan and supporting Gaza's reconstruction, alongside preserving Sudan's state institutions. All parties expressed appreciation for Egypt's strategic partnership.
In his call with Lavrov, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's ongoing efforts to solidify the Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement and fully implement its terms, stressing the need to move to the second phase of the plan, which includes political, developmental, and humanitarian aspects. He also highlighted preparations for an international conference in Cairo for Gaza's reconstruction in November, calling for mobilized international support.
On Sudan, the ministers affirmed the need to preserve the Sudanese state and its national institutions and reject any parallel entities. Abdelatty outlined Egypt's efforts within the quartet mechanism to achieve de-escalation and a comprehensive ceasefire, condemning the "gross violations" in El Fasher and stressing the need for a humanitarian truce and safe corridors for aid.
Bilaterally, they praised the growing momentum in Egyptian-Russian relations, particularly in economic and trade fields, and emphasized advancing joint projects, including the Dabaa nuclear power plant and the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
In the discussion with Kallas, Abdelatty briefed her on Egypt's efforts to ensure full implementation of the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement and transition to the second phase of the U.S. plan. They reviewed ongoing consultations in New York for a Security Council resolution on the peace plan, the formation of a peace council, deployment of an international force, and a Palestinian administrative committee.
Regarding Sudan, both sides agreed there is no military solution and stressed implementing the quartet's statement from Sept. 12, condemning violations in El Fasher and underscoring the need for a humanitarian truce and comprehensive ceasefire. They also followed up on the first-ever Egypt-EU summit held on Oct. 22, with Abdelatty expressing hope for a second summit in Egypt. Kallas affirmed Egypt's importance as a key EU partner and praised President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's pivotal role in regional security and stability.