Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged regional governments to contain tensions, with EgyptToday and The National reporting his warning that wider conflict could affect maritime routes, supply chains and markets.
Abdelatty spoke Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) agenda listed him for the plenary “The Implications of Transformational Regional Conflict.” The institute’s agenda covers the Dialogue from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.
EgyptToday reported that Abdelatty called for regional systems to identify emerging risks early and coordinate a rapid response before conflicts escalate. The outlet said he also emphasized shared regional responsibility, respect for national sovereignty, secure sea lanes and protection of vital infrastructure.
The National and News of Bahrain reported that Abdelatty said Gulf security and security across the Middle East should be treated as connected concerns. EgyptToday said he warned that escalation could affect global supply chains, including food and energy markets. The National reported that risks to regional navigation could also affect food and energy security, trade and financial markets.
Reuters separately reported that Abdelatty was “extremely worried” about a new escalation in the U.S.-Iran war. In a separate remark carried by Reuters, he said a second round would be “more dangerous, more destructive.”
Egypt’s State Information Service said Abdelatty made a related point on Oct. 13, telling Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi that Gulf Arab security was part of Egypt’s national security.
EconoTimes has previously covered the commercial side of those shipping concerns, including freight-cost pressure linked to Middle East shipping risks.
