Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan continue mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran
via Egypt Today2 min read
Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan are continuing their mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, aiming to bridge remaining differences and achieve a comprehensive agreement to end the ongoing conflict. According to Axios, all parties believe a full agreement is still possible, with mediators hoping to facilitate another round of negotiations before the current ceasefire expires on April 21. President Trump is reportedly considering resuming strikes if a U.S. naval blockade fails to compel Iran to change its course. The foreign ministers of Egypt and Turkey held separate phone calls with their Pakistani counterpart before engaging with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. These three nations previously spearheaded mediation efforts that led to a two-week ceasefire. While U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff initially rejected Iran's proposal, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey intervened to draft revisions, leading to the acceptance of a revised ceasefire proposal. Axios highlighted Egypt's significant role in securing the ceasefire, noting its diplomatic influence in Iran and Gaza, with Pakistan leading the broader mediation and Turkey offering additional support. Bloomberg also reported intensified diplomatic efforts by Egypt and Pakistan, including high-level contacts, just hours before President Trump's deadline for escalating the conflict.
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President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated on Tuesday that Gulf security is an integral part of Egyptian national security, expressing Cairo's full solidarity with Manama amidst regional tensions. These remarks were made during his visit to Bahrain, where he met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa after a visit to Qatar. The Spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, reported that Sisi underscored Egypt鈥檚 unwavering support for Bahrain鈥檚 stability and condemned any unjustified attacks against the kingdom as a violation of international law and a dangerous regional escalation. He reiterated Egypt's rejection of attempts to compromise the security of Bahrain, Gulf Cooperation Council nations, or the broader Arab region, affirming Cairo's stance with its partners to protect their sovereignty. Sisi also praised King Hamad's leadership in maintaining regional stability and detailed Egypt's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions peacefully. King Hamad welcomed El-Sisi and appreciated Egypt's continuous support for Gulf security. Both leaders emphasized the need for close coordination and joint action to address shared challenges and restore stability.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited Lusail Palace in Doha to extend his condolences to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's solidarity with Qatar during this period of mourning and acknowledged the late Father Amir's contributions to Qatar's development. The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, confirmed President El-Sisi's message of support. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani thanked President El-Sisi for his visit and emphasized the strong historical ties between their nations, expressing a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Egypt's Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk met with AbdulHakim Elwaer, the FAO's Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, to discuss strengthening cooperation, particularly FAO's support for the government's "Productive Village Revival" initiative. This initiative aims to transform Egyptian villages from consumer communities into productive economic hubs, promoting sustainable rural development. Key aspects include enhancing youth and rural women's skills, creating jobs, increasing household incomes, and establishing a unified brand for village products. The plan also focuses on diversifying rural income, improving environmental sustainability through waste recycling, expanding contract farming and mechanization, supporting livestock development, promoting silk and beekeeping industries, and strengthening agricultural cooperatives. Elwaer affirmed FAO's readiness to provide technical expertise and support for the initiative's long-term success.