El-Sisi emphasizes political solutions and maritime security for regional stability

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's stance that a political path is the only viable solution to the current regional escalation and the means to achieve sustainable stability. Speaking at a meeting with EU and Arab leaders in Nicosia, Cyprus, El-Sisi discussed Middle East developments and ways to reduce tensions. He highlighted the critical importance of adhering to freedom of navigation and securing international maritime routes, citing these as established principles of international law. El-Sisi also stressed that recent events underscore the necessity of peaceful dispute resolution and the establishment of a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, alongside the full implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Regarding the Iran deal, the president affirmed the need to consider the security concerns of Arab Gulf nations and condemned Iranian attacks on Arab nations as unacceptable. He emphasized that the security of Arab countries is integral to Egypt’s national security, noting Egypt's efforts to contain the conflict and prevent escalation, especially in light of Iranian attacks targeting Arab Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq. El-Sisi warned that the Iranian crisis has created serious repercussions for regional stability, maritime navigation, the global economy, energy and food security, and supply chains, also raising the risk of nuclear contamination.