Qatar and Egypt Strengthen Strategic Ties and Push for Gaza De-escalation

Qatari and Egyptian leadership have reinforced their commitment to bilateral cooperation and regional security as Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met with top Egyptian officials in Alamein and Cairo.

Sheikh Mohammed held discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee. He also met with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to review expanding partnerships across multiple sectors.

Economic ties have seen significant growth, with bilateral trade increasing by 80% in 2025 alongside rising Qatari investment in Egypt. Officials from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the launch of a sustainable jet-fuel manufacturing project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone backed by direct Qatari investment. Additional talks explored opportunities in health, energy, agriculture, food security, consular affairs, and labour.

A major focus of the diplomatic meetings was the ongoing conflict in Gaza and regional stability. Qatar and Egypt criticized Israel's rejection of a ceasefire roadmap aimed at implementing U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and accepted by Palestinian factions. During a joint press conference in Alamein, Sheikh Mohammed stated that Palestinian acceptance had brought the initiative to a pivotal stage, remarking that the ball is now in the Israeli side's court.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye have pursued intensive mediation efforts, while accusing Israel of continuing violations. Doha called for international pressure, specifically urging the United States and European nations to compel Israel to fulfill its commitments in Gaza and respect maritime freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

The high-level talks also addressed broader geopolitical challenges, including the situations in Lebanon, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, where both nations reaffirmed their support for territorial integrity and stability.