CAIRO, Sept 21 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty expressed on Sunday Egypt’s desire to cooperate with the World Food Programme (WFP) to establish a global hub for grain storage, supply and trade on Egyptian territory to bolster food security and strengthen supply chains in the Middle East.
In a meeting with WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain, Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s appreciation for ongoing cooperation with the agency, saying Egypt prioritizes creating a mechanism capable of achieving food security in developing countries, particularly amid the worsening impacts of climate change, disruptions to production and supply chains, and escalating political and military crises worldwide.
He outlined Egypt’s efforts to advance food security under the country’s “Egypt Vision 2030,” including initiatives to improve living conditions and reduce hunger among priority groups, reiterating Egypt’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, despite challenges stemming from hosting nearly 10 million foreigners, which he said requires international support to help Egypt meet its obligations toward them.
The minister also praised WFP’s humanitarian relief efforts globally, particularly in Gaza, despite attacks faced by its staff while carrying out their duties.
He commended the agency’s calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and urgent action to end famine conditions there, highlighting Egypt’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, stressing Cairo’s continued support for the Palestinian people.
Abdelatty underlined the importance of mobilizing international pressure on Israel to halt the use of starvation as a weapon of war against Palestinians and to allow the entry and secure delivery of aid, which is available on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing and, if permitted to enter, would be sufficient to end famine in Gaza.
He also reviewed Egypt’s preparations to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire is reached, expressing hope for WFP’s active participation in the event. (MENA)
