Egypt's FM: We are concerned over Israeli destruction of Palestinian heritage

CAIRO - 23 September 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, participated on Monday, in the ministerial meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum, held on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

 

During the meeting, Minister Abdel Aty affirmed Egypt's firm commitment to cultural dialogue as a tool for promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and global peace. He emphasized that cultural diversity constitutes a fundamental pillar for building bridges between civilizations and confronting common challenges, from climate change to extremism and armed conflict.

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs called for the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, particularly in conflict zones, expressing deep concern over the destruction of Palestinian heritage in light of the ongoing Israeli attacks in the occupied territories. He also emphasized the importance of adhering to relevant international agreements, including the Hague Convention and UNESCO conventions.

 

During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty also referred to Egypt's nomination of Dr. Khaled El-Enany for the position of Director-General of UNESCO, noting the growing support the nomination has received from countries and regional organizations, most notably the League of Arab States and the African Union. He explained that the Egyptian candidate's vision is based on making culture a force for shaping the future and a bridge for peace and human understanding.

 

He added that Dr. El-Enany has visited more than 60 countries across various continents, and that these visits represented an opportunity to listen to and learn about the aspirations of member states and their visions for ways to support UNESCO's goals.

 

He concluded by expressing his aspiration to continue supporting the Egyptian candidate, taking into account his comprehensive vision that will open new horizons for cooperation, innovation, and a journey toward the future.