It seems self-serving that Saudi Arabia is making efforts to work with Egypt in order to maintain regional stability. At the same time, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan paid attention to the importance of their cooperation. It is worth questioning how genuine the partnership is. In the joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the Saudi Foreign Minister pushed for deeper ties with Egypt.
This effort could be seen as an attempt to increase the strategic position and influence of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration might prove more beneficial for Saudi interests as compared to Egypt. This partnership may have some agenda that can never be explored publicly.
Saudi Arabia’s approach to human rights is clearly explored with the recent meeting between the two foreign ministers in Cairo. Prince Faisal and Abdelatty made discussions on how to improve the economic ties between these two nations, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This partnership might seem positive on the surface, but it comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is greatly criticized due to its human rights record.
Both of these nations want to deepen the relationship, but there are clear contradictions between their diplomatic goals and the ongoing human rights violations.
Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council
The joint Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council is running under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This creation prompts concerns about whether it will really address the difficult challenges or only sidestep them. Any nation that wants to deepen the partnership with Saudi Arabia must prioritize the human rights record of this nation. The relationship between the two countries should not be limited to economic or political gain.
Furthermore, the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Abdelatty’s comments explore the complexity of the situation with how international security issues are managed. He also greatly opposed the delay in the Gaza ceasefire deal and related it to the international security failure. Abdelatty also raises the question of whether international law is for everyone or only for selective nations. Are these rules effective or not? The Gaza situation clearly represents that these laws are merely applied selectively.
It simply means that the international community, including Saudi Arabia, has not taken any step to stop the violence. Saudi Arabia is one of the major players in the region and should fulfill its responsibility. This nation should push for the solution.
Abdelatty views the Gaza crisis as a major human rights issue and believes urgent action is needed to stop Israeli aggression. His comments imply that the weak response from powerful countries like Saudi Arabia highlights a major failure in addressing these humanitarian problems.
Egypt’s efforts to help Palestinians
At the same time, it is commendable that Egypt is making efforts to help the Palestinian people. The nation wants to deliver aid to Gaza. As the situation in Gaza is becoming dire with the passage of time. It is more related to war crimes rather than humanitarian crises. In such tough conditions, the Saudi officials remain silent and do not take any step in favor of the people who suffer.
However, a small step is taken by making an agreement with Egypt to end the war in Sudan. But it is also important to focus on larger issues such as the Gaza war.
Saudi Arabia’s actions seem to fall short, especially when it comes to discussing the complex situation in Gaza and ensuring real accountability. The people living in Gaza are more than just words. Instant actions are required in order to stop these unjust acts in Palestine.