Egypt calls for new Arab security framework to counter regional threats

Egypt has called for new Arab security arrangements to strengthen collective efforts to protect Arab security, integrate defence capabilities and turn political will into practical mechanisms for deterrence and crisis response.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said at the Arab League Council’s 166th ordinary ministerial session in Cairo that Egypt is ready to work with the Arab League and its member states to develop a comprehensive framework for the arrangements. The framework would define areas of cooperation, coordination and crisis response, as well as implementation and follow-up mechanisms.

Abdelatty said the Arab security system should focus on greater security and defence integration, better coordination of Arab capabilities, and building on the 1950 Arab Treaty of Joint Defence and relevant Arab resolutions. This would strengthen Arab countries’ ability to prevent and deter threats and respond collectively to crises.

He said the Egyptian proposal aimed to move from joint political decisions and positions to a “practical Arab capability” able to protect Arab national security, while respecting the sovereignty of member states and their independent decision-making. This would allow for a more coordinated response to threats facing the region.

Egypt made the call amid rising regional tensions and Iranian attacks targeting several Arab countries. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s strong condemnation of the attacks and its full solidarity with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Jordan and Iraq, stressing Egypt’s rejection of any threat to the sovereignty, security or territorial integrity of Arab states.