Egypt’s FM discusses regional de-escalation with French, Ukrainian, Canadian counterparts

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a series of meetings with his French, Ukrainian and Canadian counterparts on Tuesday on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting in Paris, discussing regional de-escalation, the war in Ukraine, food security, and prospects for expanding economic cooperation.

Abdelatty met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to discuss bilateral economic and infrastructure projects, including Cairo Metro Line 6 and the French Development Agency’s role in financing development projects in Egypt.

Abdelatty highlighted the upgrading of Egyptian-French relations to a “strategic partnership” in 2025, calling for further cooperation across political, military, economic and cultural fields.

The ministers also discussed the possibility of renewed military escalation in the region. Abdelatty stressed the need to prioritise diplomatic efforts, warning that a wider conflict could undermine global energy and food security and threaten economic stability.

On Sudan, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for the country’s unity, territorial integrity and national institutions. He condemned drone attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure and called for a Sudanese-led political process.

He also reaffirmed Cairo’s support for political and diplomatic efforts to restore security and stability in Yemen.

In a separate meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Abdelatty discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, energy and food security.

Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s interest in hosting a global hub for grain storage, supply and trading, citing the country’s strategic geographical location, logistics infrastructure, and connectivity to international trade and transport routes.

He reiterated Egypt’s support for a negotiated political settlement to the war in Ukraine, describing ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi as an opportunity to advance efforts towards ending the conflict.

Abdelatty also stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, given its direct impact on grain supplies to Egypt and other African countries.

Abdelatty also met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to discuss strengthening economic, trade and investment ties, as well as the possibility of establishing trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Canada and African countries.

According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, potential areas of cooperation could include renewable energy, infrastructure, healthcare and capacity building.

The meeting also addressed developments in Gaza and efforts to begin implementing the second phase of the peace plan, alongside tensions involving Iran and the risk of further military escalation.

Abdelatty called for political and diplomatic solutions to avert another military confrontation, stressing the importance of closer Egyptian-Canadian coordination on regional and international issues and within multilateral forums.