Meanwhile, the Austrian foreign minister said Egypt is her country’s most important partner as the gateway to the Middle East and the Arab world, expressing pleasure at the MoU signed today to launch a political consultation mechanism between both countries.

Meinl-Reisinger said Egypt is Austria’s second export destination in Africa, touching on the common goals for cooperation, especially in the transport, renewable energy, and water treatment sectors.

She added that fighting illegal migration is a common challenge, voicing appreciation for ongoing cooperation with Egypt in this regard, especially with millions of refugees and migrants living in Egypt.

The Austrian foreign minister also underlined the importance of addressing the root-causes of the crisis to consolidate regional stability, pointing to her visit today to the Egyptian Red Crescent and highlighting the €3 million of aid approved for Gaza.

On that score, the Austrian diplomat stressed that safe access to humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of hostages are equally important to the EU.

She said there must be a plan for a ceasefire, release of hostages and safe access to humanitarian aid.

She also asserted her country’s support for the Arab-Islamic early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza.

Meinl-Reisinger said Gaza must remain in Palestinian hands, and that is the only solution to ensure the Palestinian Strip’s stability, security and prosperity. She stressed Egypt is an indispensable partner in this regard.

As for the Israeli-Iranian conflict, Meinl-Reisinger said it had been agreed during today’s talks that a political solution is the only way to get over this crisis. She underscored the need for reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran now that the current agreement is no longer effective.

Responding to a question about reforming the UN system, especially the UN Security Council, the top Austrian diplomat said reforming the UN is very important to Austria, which looks forward to an effective international body based on international law.

Asked if it is possible to pressure Israel to open land crossings into Gaza, the Austrian foreign minister said her message was very clear: "Israel must uphold human rights."

Commenting on last question, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's intensified efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible. He said Israel’s unchecked arrogance will bring the occupying power neither security nor stability.

“Military solutions have always failed to achieve security and stability for Israel,” Abdelatty said.

He emphasized the importance of fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people by establishing an independent Palestinian state on all the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as the only guarantee to achieve security and stability for Israel and the entire region. (MENA)

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