Mr. Abdelatty emphasized that the escalation of tensions in the region was due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. (Source: Middle East Eye)

Mr. Abdelatty made this statement during a meeting in Cairo with Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, operational commander of the European Union (EU) naval mission Aspides, established in February this year with the mission of protecting international shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Houthi forces.

During the talks, Mr. Abdelatty affirmed the need to ensure a safe environment for the operation of commercial vessels, noting that threats to maritime activities in the Red Sea have had a significant impact on the Egyptian economy, causing a serious decline in revenues from the Suez Canal.

Foreign Minister Abdelatty assessed that Egypt is one of the most affected countries in the world due to the current instability in the Red Sea. He added that the escalation of tensions in the region is due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

For his part, Mr. Gryparis expressed his commitment to cooperate with countries affected by the tense situation in the Red Sea, especially Egypt, and reviewed the achievements in efforts to counter Houthi attacks on ships moving through the Suez Canal.