Dutch FM regrets incident at the Egyptian embassy in The Hague

Egypt Independent

4 hours ago

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty received a phone call on Monday from Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp as part of their regular consultations on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and exchange views on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of providing security protection for the Egyptian diplomatic mission in the Netherlands, noting the Dutch responsibility under international law to protect it from any violations.
He referred to the attack on the Egyptian embassy building in The Hague. and the Dutch responsibility to prevent its recurrence, which led to measures being taken by the Dutch side in this regard.
The Dutch Minister expressed his deep regret over the incident.
Veldkamp indicated that he had spoken about the matter with the relevant security authorities and that they intend to intensify security measures at the Egyptian embassy, in line with the responsibilities of the host country under relevant international agreements.
He emphasized the close relations between his country and Egypt, based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Veldkamp also emphasized the importance of advancing bilateral relations in various fields, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors, and enhancing cooperation across various sectors to serve the interests of both peoples.
The two ministers exchanged views on developments in the Middle East, particularly the catastrophic state of the Gaza Strip.
Abdelatty assured his Dutch counterpart of Egypt's ongoing intensive efforts to reach a truce that includes a ceasefire, unrestricted aid entry, and the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners.
He also emphasized Hamas's acceptance of most of the provisions of US envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal, and the importance of the Israeli side's approval for the proposal.
Abdelatty noted that the Rafah crossing operates 24 hours a day on the Egyptian side and emphasized the importance of pressuring the Israeli side to open the crossings linking Israel to the Gaza Strip.
He asked his Dutch counterpart to leverage the Netherlands' role within the European Union to halt the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm