Page 9 - Issue 72

V O L .1 E L I T E ISSUE 72

with economic interests, so as to give rise to while at the same time striving to rescue the
what might be called “smart power.” Palestinian cause from liquidation.
What struck me during my work as a As for the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, it
presidential envoy was the repeated question, came at a highly delicate juncture amidst the
both explicitly and implicitly, posed by African reorganization of the international order. It was
counterparts: “Where are you, Egypt?” This therefore crucial for Egypt to revive the
reflects Africa’s keen anticipation of a stronger principles of non-alignment, but with a renewed
and more present Egyptian role. From this vision that transcends the bipolar logic which
perspective, I believe that President Abdel once defined the global system.
Fattah El-Sisi’s attention to Africa is both Regarding the Arab-European Summit, it was
deliberate and conscious, grounded in a clear a source of pride for Egypt, as 25 out of 27
recognition of the need to elevate Egypt’s European states attended at the level of heads
relations with African states to a qualitative of state or government, alongside kings and
level that keeps pace with the times, achieves presidents of most Arab countries. This reflects
mutual interests, and firmly anchors Egypt’s the recognition of Egypt’s significance and
standing among the nations of the continent. stature by both regions. The summit remains a
strategic asset that must be effectively
harnessed to renew and develop relations and
to activate Arab-European cooperation.

Q7: You coordinated both the Non-Aligned
Movement Summit and the Arab-European
Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. How did these
events contribute to strengthening Egypt’s
regional position? And what lessons were learned
from managing such events?
Egypt is the pivotal state upon which regional
balance rests; it is the only country capable of
engaging in negotiations with all parties,
including Israel. This role is most clearly
reflected in its stance on the Palestinian
question and the ongoing war in Gaza, not to
mention the issue of the displacement of
Palestinians. Egypt is managing a historic
process, navigating the crisis with political
acumen grounded in meticulous calculations
and highly complex balances, with the dual aim
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of safeguarding its national security and
sustaining its domestic path of development,