President El-Sisi Attends Session on “Crises and Stability in the ME” at G7 Summit in Évian, France

Today in the French city of Évian, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended a G7 session titled "Navigating Crises and Sustaining Stability in the Middle East". The session convened with the participation of the G7 member state leaders, alongside President of the United Arab Emirates His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Amir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s vision on unfolding regional developments, stressing the imperative of reaching a comprehensive settlement to geopolitical crises in the Middle East to ensure regional and global peace and stability, particularly following the immense suffering endured due to protracted wars and conflicts. The President reiterated that there is no alternative to achieving a just and lasting settlement to the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution, guaranteeing the establishment of an independent Palestinian State along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. President El-Sisi urged the expedited implementation of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for the Gaza Strip.

In this regard, the President expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s efforts, which culminated in reaching an agreement to halt the war in Gaza, and recently, an agreement to cease hostilities with Iran. President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s readiness to exert every effort, in collaboration with regional and international partners, to reach sustainable solutions to pending issues. The President voiced Egypt’s hope that these agreements will usher-in a new era of conflict resolution and regional de-escalation. During the meeting, President El-Sisi, once again, affirmed Egypt’s categorical rejection and condemnation of the unjustified aggressions against the Arab Gulf states, reiterating Egypt’s full solidarity with and support for the Gulf nations in safeguarding their security and stability. The President reasserted that the security of the Arab nations is an integral part of Egypt’s national security. In the same context, the President pointed out that amid the preoccupation with the crisis with Iran, the scope of the "Yellow Line" in the Gaza Strip has been expanded to encompass approximately 70% of the Strip, effectively leaving only 30% for the Palestinian people. The President stressed that this approach must cease immediately, and that the annexation of the West Bank must not be permitted.

The President reaffirmed that establishing stability in the region requires all parties to adopt a responsible approach founded upon respect for the sovereignty of states, the rejection of any aggressions or interference in the internal affairs of states, the termination of occupation, and compliance with the rules of international law. It also necessitates preserving the institutions of the nation state and restricting the possession of arms to legitimate institutions. President El-Sisi stressed the vital need to forge a consensus on regional collective security arrangements that accommodate the concerns of all parties, alongside a strict commitment to the rules of international law concerning the management of transboundary resources, most notably with respect to water security, energy security, and the safety of shipping lanes.

In his remarks, the President confirmed the necessity of establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, as well as the comprehensive and non-selective implementation of the non-proliferation regime in the region to preserve regional peace and stability. President El-Sisi also tackled the issue of freedom of maritime navigation, underscoring the absolute necessity of ensuring the unhindered and safe passage of vessels through international waterways in conformity with international law, while firmly rejecting any disruptions or endeavors aimed at altering their legal status.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, as well as the necessity of preserving the freedom of navigation and passage through international waterways.

Discussing the situation in Lebanon, the participating leaders criticized the Israeli Prime Minister and his government’s practices in the region, particularly in Lebanon and against the Palestinians. They emphasized that Israel must stop targeting Lebanon, withdraw from Lebanese territory, and empower the Lebanese government, while exploring the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Lebanon. A number of participating leaders reaffirmed the necessity of settling the Palestinian cause, transitioning to the second phase of the agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip, and establishing a Palestinian State living side-by-side with Israel.

The meeting also examined the issue of energy infrastructure, highlighting the negative repercussions imposed by regional developments on international navigation, global trade, and energy supplies, as well as the urgent need for sustained efforts to secure international maritime passages. In this context, a number of participating leaders lauded Egypt’s role and President El-Sisi’s efforts to reinforce stability and establish peace in the region. The Italian Prime Minister noted that President El-Sisi’s participation in today’s meeting underscores that peace can only be achieved through an agreement modeled after the peace treaty concluded between Egypt and Israel,  emphasizing the importance of reaching a just solution for the Palestinians. The Canadian Prime Minister also affirmed the significant role played by President El-Sisi and President Trump in reaching the agreement to halt the war in the Gaza Strip.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President El-Sisi indicated in an additional intervention that the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel serves as an exemplary model, confirming that the opportunity must be seized to achieve peace in the region. The President underlined the urgent necessity of avoiding and preventing any endeavors that seek to undermine the agreements successfully brokered by President Trump, whether regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip or the cessation of the war with Iran. The President stressed that Israel’s failure to withdraw from the five points it occupies in Lebanon, despite the stipulations of the Lebanese ceasefire agreement in this regard, has exacerbated the situation. President El-Sisi, once again, underscored US President Trump’s pivotal role in resolving crises across the region.