Egyptian Foreign Ministry: Agree with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan regarding the region’s crises

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Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ambassador Nader Zaki, confirmed that the positions of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are identical regarding regional situations, stressing the importance of expanding the circle of consultation between the countries concerned, in light of the escalation of conflicts and tensions in the region.

Zaki said, in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya TV, that conflicts in the region are increasing, which requires strengthening political coordination and expanding consultations to confront current challenges.

He explained that the Istanbul meeting scheduled to be held on Friday will expand the circle of consultation to include European countries, in a step that reflects efforts to involve additional parties in discussions related to the security and stability of the region.

He pointed out the identical positions of Cairo, Ankara, Riyadh, and Islamabad regarding the regional situation, stressing the importance of continuing communication and coordination between the four countries.

Regarding developments in Yemen and the Red Sea, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that the security of the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait represents a direct extension of Egyptian national security.

He said that Egypt is concerned with the security of these two waterways, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, in light of the tensions taking place in the region.

The Red Sea is of strategic importance to Egypt, given its connection to shipping traffic heading to the Suez Canal, one of the most prominent sea lanes for global trade.

Zaki also confirmed that there is a difference between Cairo and Tehran in evaluating the Egyptian position on what is happening in Yemen. He said: “We disagree with the Iranian assessment regarding our position on what is happening in Yemen,” without the available statements including additional details regarding the points of disagreement.

Regarding the Iranian file, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that Cairo encourages the United States and Iran to return to the memorandum of understanding and build on it.

This call comes at a time when the region is witnessing an escalation in tensions, amid diplomatic efforts to limit the expansion of the confrontations.

The Egyptian statements reflect Cairo's adherence to the diplomatic track, in addition to its emphasis on the importance of protecting sea lanes and ensuring that navigation is not affected by security developments.

The upcoming Istanbul meeting also highlights a trend towards expanding the scope of regional and international consultations, including European parties, in an attempt to coordinate positions towards successive crises.

Cairo confirms, according to statements by its Foreign Ministry spokesman, that dealing with the current challenges requires continued coordination between the countries concerned, while giving priority to the security of the Red Sea and the stability of the region.