Egyptian, Saudi ministers hold talks with US secretary of state on Gaza, Sudan

The top diplomats of Egypt and Saudi Arabia held separate telephone consultations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday, focusing on escalating crises in the Middle East and bilateral relations. The calls covered the ongoing war in Gaza, the conflict in Sudan, and efforts to enhance economic and security cooperation with Washington.

Egypt's focus on Gaza aid, Sudan, and Nile water rights

In his discussion with Secretary Rubio, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza and the reconstruction of its shattered infrastructure. He also briefed Rubio on his recent visit to Khartoum, reaffirming Egypt's support for Sudan's unity. A critical bilateral issue raised was Egypt's water security, with Abdelatty stressing adherence to international law in managing Nile Basin resources and rejecting unilateral actions, a clear reference to Ethiopia's contentious Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

US-Egypt coordination on Trump's Gaza plan and Sudan ceasefire

US Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that Rubio and Abdelatty continued discussions on implementing President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. The officials also talked about "bilateral cooperation" and ongoing engagements to achieve a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan, highlighting Washington's reliance on Cairo as a key mediator in regional conflicts.

Saudi Arabia's discussion on Yemen and Sudan

In a separate call, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Secretary Rubio discussed developments in Yemen and Sudan, according to statements from both sides. The talks reviewed regional and international issues and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address them, underscoring Riyadh's pivotal role in shaping outcomes in both conflict zones, particularly in Yemen where it leads a military coalition.

Regional diplomacy amid multiple crises

These parallel diplomatic engagements underscore the United States' concerted effort to coordinate with pivotal Arab partners on a regional agenda dominated by war and instability. The conversations reflect the shared priority of stabilizing Gaza and Sudan while managing complex bilateral partnerships that intertwine security, economic, and resource concerns.