Egypt praises Belgian ban on Israeli settlement imports, urges EU to adopt similar measures
via Egypt Today4 min read
Egypt has welcomed Belgium's decision to ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and called on the European Union and the international community to follow suit. In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry described the Belgian cabinet's decision as "important" and urged all EU member states and the international community to introduce legal measures banning products from Israeli settlements. Egypt stated that Belgium鈥檚 move reflects support for justice and a practical application of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which affirms that Israeli settlements have no legal validity and calls for an immediate halt to settlement activity. The Belgian federal government approved the import ban as part of an agreement reached last summer in response to the bombing campaign and death toll in Gaza. Belgium is among a growing number of European countries, including Spain and the Netherlands, implementing national measures rather than waiting for EU-wide action. The issue remains under discussion within the European Union, Israel's largest trading partner, but progress has been slow. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Pr茅vot has called for "concrete proposals" from the European Commission, and Spain has accused the bloc of delaying action. The Egyptian foreign ministry reiterated Egypt鈥檚 longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, emphasizing that lasting peace requires ending the Israeli occupati
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Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional developments. The ministers acknowledged the growing momentum in Egyptian-Greek relations and committed to deepening political and economic ties. Abdelatty highlighted Greece's support for Egypt within European Union institutions and emphasized the importance of the tripartite cooperation mechanism involving Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus. He stressed the need to expand trade, economic, and investment ties among the three nations. Abdelatty also reviewed Egypt's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and reiterated Cairo's support for dialogue and diplomacy to restore stability. The officials agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination to support regional de-escalation efforts.
Must ReadThe Permanent Committee for Regulating the Nile River's Flow, chaired by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem, convened to assess the Nile's flow and Egypt's water situation during peak demand. The committee reviewed developments concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam GERD, labeling its operation as illegal and a violation of international law due to the absence of a binding agreement for its filling and operation. They discussed fluctuations in downstream discharge caused by the dam's unilateral operation and emphasized the need for downstream dam operators to update scenarios for efficient water management. The committee also analyzed rainfall across the Nile Basin and water inflows from the Blue Nile, White Nile, and Atbara River, noting above-average flow in June but below-average in July. They anticipate a clearer flood season assessment after early August and are monitoring climate patterns like El Ni帽o and La Ni帽a. Minister Sweilem directed continuous monitoring of hydrological and climate indicators and regular updates to forecasts to ensure optimal water resource management. He affirmed the Aswan High Dam's crucial role in Egypt's water security due to its storage capacity and operational flexibility.
On Sunday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad Badr Abdelatty met with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President for Arab and African Affairs, to discuss regional developments and issues of mutual interest. The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the Egyptian-U.S. strategic partnership and their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation. Discussions covered Egypt's efforts to support security and stability in Sudan, emphasizing a sustainable ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political process. The situation in Libya was also addressed, with Abdelatty reiterating Egypt's support for Libya's unity, national institutions, and the need for simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Developments in the Horn of Africa were discussed, with Abdelatty highlighting the region's importance to Egypt's national security and the need to respect sovereignty and reject destabilizing actions. On water security, Abdelatty stressed adherence to international law for transboundary water resources and rejected unilateral measures in the Eastern Nile Basin, calling water security an existential issue for Egypt. Boulos praised Egypt's role in promoting regional security and stability, emphasizing continued coordination between Cairo and Washington.