Egypt has firmly opposed recent proposals discussed in some European media regarding the establishment of refugee camps in southern Mediterranean countries, including Egypt. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty articulated this position during a meeting with ambassadors from the European Union, emphasizing Egypt’s stance on this sensitive matter and its existing obligations toward refugees.
Egypt’s Position on Refugee Camps
During the meeting, Abdelatty stressed that proposals for refugee camps were completely unacceptable to Egypt under any circumstances. He highlighted the significant burden Egypt currently faces, having welcomed millions of refugees and asylum seekers as a result of ongoing regional conflicts. Egypt’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian efforts should not be overlooked, but it cannot take on additional responsibilities that these proposals would entail.
Strengthening Egyptian-European Relations
Abdelatty also took the opportunity to discuss the growing momentum in relations between Egypt and Europe since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024. He pointed out milestones such as the first Egyptian-European summit held in Brussels in October 2025 and announced that Egypt would host the subsequent summit in 2027. A third Egyptian-European Investment Conference is also on the agenda, which aims to enhance collaboration and mutual investment opportunities between the regions.
The Palestinian Issue
The dialogue also touched upon the critical issue of Palestine, where Abdelatty expressed appreciation for a recent joint statement from several European foreign ministers. This statement reaffirmed support for the two-state solution and called for a ban on imports of goods from Israeli settlements. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s firm rejection of Israeli policies aimed at annexing Palestinian territories and expanding settlements, emphasizing the need to safeguard the historical and legal status of religious sites in Jerusalem.
Regional Stability and Security Concerns
In discussing neighboring Sudan, Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s initiatives aimed at mitigating conflict and maintaining Sudan’s sovereignty. He underlined that any threat to Sudanese territorial integrity is a serious concern for Egypt. The minister underscored the crucial nature of Nile water security, calling it an existential issue that cannot be compromised under any circumstances. Egypt stands firmly against unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile Basin that violate international laws.
In addition to focusing on these pressing issues, the meeting also addressed Egypt’s continuous efforts to lessen regional tensions while tackling the effects of various ongoing crises. Recent developments in Libya, Lebanon, and Iran were examined, with a particular emphasis on how instability in these areas impacts energy and food security in Egypt and the broader Global South.
Through these discussions, Egypt is reaffirming its role as an influential actor in promoting peace and stability in the region. By advancing diplomatic dialogue, Cairo aims to effectively respond to both international and regional crises, reinforcing its position as a beacon of cooperation in the face of escalating challenges.