Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, virtually participated in the high-level conference today, organized by Egypt in partnership with the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Germany, the African Union, and the European Union, to discuss the pressing humanitarian needs in Sudan and the region.
Ahmed Abu Zeid, the spokesperson and director of Public Diplomacy at the Foreign Ministry, stated that Egypt’s involvement in this event is driven by its commitment to assist the Sudanese people and enhance their resilience in the face of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
In his address, the Foreign Minister expressed Egypt’s deep concern for the security and stability of Sudan, considering them integral to its national security. He affirmed Egypt’s solidarity with the Sudanese people to overcome the current hardship and its commitment to aiding them in securing a dignified life in a safe and stable state.
Shoukry emphasized that Egypt will persist in its efforts with all parties to halt hostilities and return to dialogue, stressing the need for international and regional organizations to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis. He highlighted the importance of achieving a sustainable ceasefire to protect the Sudanese people and preserve Sudan’s assets and institutions.
The spokesperson for the foreign ministry revealed that the Foreign Minister acknowledged Egypt and Qatar’s joint initiative, under the patronage of both countries’ leaders, to guarantee support for the Sudanese people and facilitate continued flow of relief aid. Shoukry also warned of an impending humanitarian disaster which the Sudanese people and neighboring countries would pay for due to deteriorating security, economic, and humanitarian conditions. This has resulted in over 1.5 million internally displaced Sudanese and 350,000 seeking refuge in neighboring countries, placing additional strain on their resources.
The Foreign Minister pointed out Egypt’s readiness, as a direct neighbor to Sudan, to open its doors from the onset of the conflict to those fleeing its impacts. Egyptian authorities provided all possible resources and made strenuous efforts to facilitate their passage, provide them with humanitarian aid, and meet their food, health, and psychological needs. Egypt has received over a quarter-million Sudanese, which accounts for 60% of those fleeing violence, in addition to the 5 million Sudanese Egypt has been hosting for decades, treating them with dignity due to the familial and social ties between the two nations.
The Minister noted that Egypt has provided and continues to supply significant resources to ensure the permanent operation of border crossings for receiving unprecedented numbers of refugees fleeing the conflict. They offer urgent medical, food, and psychological aid, in addition to about 300 tons of urgent medical and food aid. They’ve facilitated the evacuation of approximately 10,000 foreigners working in diplomatic missions and international organizations. He discussed the latest cost estimates of hosting a quarter-million Sudanese citizens and providing them with basic services, food, health services, and education.
