Cairo, Ankara discuss regional de-escalation, Black Sea shipping security

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Friday, acting on instructions from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, at the conclusion of international talks hosted by Türkiye on efforts to contain regional tensions and prevent further escalation.

The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of the regional R4 mechanism — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye — alongside the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Italy, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said.

Participants reviewed discussions held within the R4 framework, as well as expanded talks with the European E4 group, comprising Britain, Germany, France and Italy, on regional developments and efforts to contain ongoing crises.

The ministers stressed the need to sustain diplomatic efforts, prioritise political solutions and strengthen regional and international coordination to safeguard security and stability, according to the ministry.

Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s contacts with international partners aimed at reducing tensions and preventing the region from sliding into further crises.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, noting Egypt’s position as one of the world’s largest grain importers and the potential impact of shipping disruptions on food supplies and trade costs.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s rejection of threats to international navigation, warning that disruptions to maritime trade routes could have wider repercussions for the global economy.

The meeting concluded a series of talks in Istanbul involving the R4 countries and European partners to coordinate diplomatic efforts to contain regional escalation.