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Egypt and Bulgaria Vow to Deepen Political Dialogue

Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)
Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)
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Egypt and Bulgaria Vow to Deepen Political Dialogue

Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)
Egyptian-Bulgarian discussions in Cairo dealt with the repercussions of the war in Gaza. (Egyptian Cabinet)

Egypt and Bulgaria have confirmed their deep commitment to deepening political dialogue and enhancing the bilateral relations in a way that reflects the nature of the EU-Egypt partnership, according to a joint statement.

The first meeting of the joint committee on Saturday was held in Cairo and co-chaired by Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, and Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Gabriel.

Both sides addressed the geopolitical tensions globally, focusing on developments in Europe, the Balkans, and the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip.

In a press conference alongside Shoukry, the Bulgarian minister emphasized Egypt's pivotal role and strategic significance in the region. The minister underscored Bulgaria's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Egypt to tackle urgent global challenges.

On Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Gabriel held talks emphasizing the negative impact of the Gaza conflict, which has increased the tension in the Red Sea and the wider region.

Madbouly urged a swift solution to the conflict and a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause, citing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the economic implications for the world.

In addition, he underscored Egypt’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for an independent state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Gabriel stressed the need to urgently reach a solution for the Gaza crisis and ensure the immediate release of the captives, highlighting the regional parties' role in resolving the crisis and expressing her support for the two-state solution.

In a joint press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands. He warned against the Israeli measures, which naturally lead to this forced displacement, stressing that these measures must be seen as a “systematic policy.”

Shoukry said that Egypt has repeatedly warned of the spillover of the conflict in the region.

The top Egyptian diplomat shed light on the deal formulated through consultations between intelligence agencies in Paris. He also highlighted Israeli statements that considered the deal unacceptable or unsuitable as a basis for a truce.

Shoukry cautioned against the Israeli intentions of escalating military operations in southern Gaza, warning of the grave implications, including high civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis.

He added that there are 1.4 million Palestinian citizens who are crowded into the very small area of Rafah city while being unable to protect themselves from these military actions.

“There is international consensus that the region cannot bear the same intensity of military operations that we witnessed in the past period,” Shoukry stated.

“The humanitarian conditions are deteriorating, and any expansion of military operations will have grave consequences,” he added.

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Arab World

Iraq Frustrated by Iran’s Reluctance to Rein in Militias

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has cautioned leaders of the Coordination Framework about the threats facing Iraq due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (X)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has cautioned leaders of the Coordination Framework about the threats facing Iraq due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (X)
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Iraq Frustrated by Iran’s Reluctance to Rein in Militias

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has cautioned leaders of the Coordination Framework about the threats facing Iraq due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (X)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has cautioned leaders of the Coordination Framework about the threats facing Iraq due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran (X)

A senior government official said Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has warned leaders of the Coordination Framework about the “risks to Iraq” from the growing conflict between Israel and Iran.

The official added that Iran is using “deception” when asked to distance its allied militias from the war.

Political and government figures are increasingly worried that Iraq could be hit, after two Israeli soldiers were killed in a drone strike on the Golan Heights early Friday.

Speaking anonymously to Asharq Al-Awsat, the official said al-Sudani is taking steps to keep Iraq out of the conflict.

These efforts include ramping up “political mediation” to persuade militias not to involve Iraq. The prime minister “informed Coordination Framework leaders of the risks” and urged them to “act quickly.”

The official also warned that an attack is still possible, saying intelligence shows the Iraqi militias launched the strike from outside Iraq, using weapons that came from Iraqi territory.

Al-Sudani’s Mediation Efforts

The Iraqi premier has chosen mediators, approved by Iran, to negotiate with militias about the conflict and conditions for de-escalation. These three individuals have previously acted as mediators in past crises.

Last week, Asharq Al-Awsat reported that al-Sudani asked three key Shiite figures to intervene and prevent militias from getting involved in the war between Hezbollah and Israel, after reports surfaced that Israel had identified 35 Iraqi targets.

Sources confirmed that Ammar al-Hakim is among the mediators, along with two other influential Shiite leaders whose names haven’t been disclosed.

However, two Iraqi militias—likely the al-Nujaba Movement led by Akram al-Kaabi and Kataib Hezbollah led by Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi—have refused to cooperate and continue launching rocket attacks on Israel.

The Iraqi official admitted that some militias are “stubborn,” but stressed that al-Sudani knows Iraq is “at the center of the storm.”

He reportedly told leaders of the Coordination Framework, “Iraq cannot avoid a military strike if it happens, so we must stay out of the war to protect the country.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in a Friday sermon, stated that “Iran’s allies in the region won’t back down,” increasing concerns that Iraqi militias tied to Iran will continue attacking Israel.

Iraqi sources also reported that the Coordination Framework has reviewed an “intelligence report” on dozens of Iraqi targets that Israel might strike or assassinate.

Government Efforts to Prevent Escalation

Al-Sudani has blocked the flow of Iraqi funds into conflict zones, unlike previous leaders, according to the official.

He has worked closely with the US and its Treasury Department to strictly monitor financial movements, often insisting that Iran uses official channels to claim its dues from Iraq.

The official also said global auditing firms are now helping Iraq’s central bank oversee financial transactions, shutting down all previous routes for illicit money flows.

Since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, the US told Iraq it pressured Israel not to strike Iraq, as long as Iraq stays out of the conflict, the official added.

The US doesn’t oppose Iraq’s stance of condemning Israel, supporting Lebanon and Palestine, and sending aid.

But it “won’t accept any financial or military support to militias.”

Regarding Iran’s role, the official said Tehran claims militias act independently, dodging responsibility for reining them in.