Egypt, alongside partner countries, is leading intensive international efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and prevent the region from sliding into chaos due to the expansion of conflict, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said.
Abdelatty was speaking during a joint press conference on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope at the conclusion of a ministerial meeting of African Champion Countries in implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).
The meeting, hosted by Egypt, serves as a preparatory step for the second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) set for next month in New York.
Highlighting Egypt’s ceaseless efforts for de-escalation under directives from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, the minister said Egypt is collaborating with friendly and partner nations to mobilize resources and pave the way for diplomacy and dialogue.
He warned that wars only lead to further suffering and a rise in illegal and irregular migration, which has a severe impact on socio-economic conditions, especially in terms of energy and food security, given the sharp increase in oil prices and significant disruptions in supply chains.
This, in turn, hinders the delivery of essential fertilizer components necessary for food production, the minister said.
“We were pleased to host today’s ministerial meeting of African Champion Countries for the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM),” Abdelattys said, noting that the event underscores Egypt’s pivotal role, alongside African counterparts, in shaping international migration diplomacy, especially ahead of the 2nd IMRF in NY next month.
Welcoming the IOM chief, Egypt’s top diplomat said her participation testifies to the organization’s commitment to supporting international and African efforts to improve migration governance.
The meeting featured constructive discussions on enhancing cooperation in migration management amidst the growing challenges facing the African continent, the foreign minister added.
He noted that participants emphasized “the critical importance of addressing the root causes of illegal migration by supporting comprehensive development efforts, job creation, and increasing investments in education and training.”
Abdelatty also highlighted the need to strengthen the resilience of local communities and empower youth.
He emphasized the need to resolve current disputes by peaceful means, warning that “fueling or prolonging conflict does not serve the interests of countries of origin, transit, or destination.”
Abdelatty cited a global appeal made by President El-Sisi during the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2026) to put an end to the ongoing war that is taking its heavy toll on the entire world, especially the Global South and African nations.
He said participants in today’s ministerial meeting of African Champion Countries for the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) had emphasized the importance of supporting regional cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Khartoum and Rabat Processes, concluding the session with the adoption of “Cairo Declaration.”
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to working with regional and international partners, led by IOM, to encourage regular migration and address shared challenges.
Meanwhile, Director General of IOM Amy Pope thanked the minister for his efforts to convene the ministerial meeting, which underscores Egypt’s pivotal role in that regard.
She also hailed the active participation of member states and called for a more comprehensive approach to achieving GCM goals.
Pope identified conflict, climate change, and lack of economic opportunities as primary drivers of migration, shedding light on the crisis in Sudan as an example.
She said establishing safe migration pathways and improving labor migration in Africa would yield significant benefits for all parties, applauding Egypt’s leading diplomatic role in unifying the African voice ahead of the 2nd IMRF in May.
Responding to a question about the quadrilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Islamabad earlier this week, Abdelatty said that Cairo is working around the clock to reach a ceasefire.
He said the four nations collectively condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states, Jordan, and Iraq, describing them as unacceptable.
The four countries agreed that Iran must refrain from targeting neighboring countries, the foreign minister noted.
Following presidential directives, Egypt is working to bridge existing gaps and propose creative ideas to reach a comprehensive deal that addresses the concerns of all parties, Abdelatty said.
He warned that the war continues to disrupt global supply chains and international navigation, asserting the importance of respecting international law to ensure maritime freedom.
Asked about the possibility of providing further support to help Egypt bear the burden of hosting over 10 million migrants and refugees, Pope stressed that no single government can manage migration alone and urged member states to increase support for host nations.
She said the organization will continue to advocate for international assistance to Egypt, applauding Egypt’s model of integrating migrants into society rather than placing them in camp
