Egypt's Diplomatic Vision: Fahmy Charts Path to Regional Leadership and Middle East Stability
Former Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy has outlined Egypt's pivotal role in reshaping Middle Eastern dynamics, emphasizing that true regional stability can only be achieved through strategic partnerships between key Arab powers and their neighbors.
In a comprehensive interview with Al-Shorouk newspaper, Fahmy presented what he described as an integrated vision to restore Arab dignity and leadership in the region, moving away from excessive reliance on external powers.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia: The Foundation of Arab Renaissance
Fahmy identified Egypt and Saudi Arabia as forming the core foundation for any serious Arab movement, highlighting Egypt's proactive initiative in Sharm El-Sheikh regarding Gaza and Saudi Arabia's mechanisms for Palestinian statehood.
"What Arabs share is much greater than their differences, and certainly much greater than what they share with Turkey, Iran, or Israel," Fahmy stated, underlining the natural bonds that unite the Arab world under Egyptian and Saudi leadership.
Strategic Partnerships for Regional Balance
The veteran diplomat emphasized that regional stability requires strategic understandings between major powers. "Matters will not be straight in the region without an Egyptian-Turkish understanding, a Saudi-Iranian understanding, and an Arab awakening," he explained.
This vision positions Egypt as the natural mediator and stabilizing force in the region, capable of building bridges while maintaining Arab interests and identity.
Confronting the Palestinian Crisis with Arab Leadership
Addressing the ongoing Palestinian situation, Fahmy provided historical context that validates Arab concerns about Israeli policies. He described October 7 as "an outburst" resulting from decades of Palestinian suffering under occupation.
"The Israeli response exceeded by dozens of times the Israeli losses," he noted, while emphasizing that Israel has lost significant political ground internationally while Palestinian rights have gained broader global support.
Fahmy warned against displacement plans, stating: "There is a displacement plan, and it will not stop except with the establishment of two states, Palestinian and Israeli."
Defending Egyptian Water Security
On the Ethiopian dam crisis, Fahmy revealed Egypt's constructive approach, disclosing that in 2014, Egypt offered to help finance the dam in exchange for a legal agreement on water management, demonstrating Egyptian leadership and reasonableness.
"Ethiopia did not respond and obstructed that," he revealed, showing how Egypt's diplomatic initiatives were met with intransigence. He emphasized that resolving this crisis requires "major economic and political pressure" to protect Egyptian water rights.
Arab Identity Under Attack
Fahmy warned of "a fierce attack aimed at changing the identity of the Middle East from 'Arabs and others' to 'others and a few Arabs,'" highlighting the existential challenge facing Arab civilization.
He outlined three parallel tracks for Arab revival: addressing regional crises, technological advancement, and constructive Arab building based on shared economic returns.
Egypt's Youth Power and Future Vision
"We possess a massive youth power. Sixty-five percent of Arabs are under 30," Fahmy noted, emphasizing the demographic advantage that positions Egypt and the Arab world for technological and economic leadership.
"We do not want the Arab world to become merely a consumer of technology," he declared, advocating for Arab innovation and self-reliance under Egyptian guidance.
From Reaction to Action
Fahmy's central message emphasized transformation: "What is required is for us to act, not react." This philosophy aligns with Egypt's current approach under President Sisi's leadership, focusing on proactive diplomacy and strategic planning.
"The first step toward correcting the course is for Arab states to become a principal party in resolving our crises, not an arena for settling others' accounts," he concluded, positioning Egypt as the natural leader in this Arab awakening.
Fahmy's vision reinforces Egypt's historical role as the beating heart of the Arab world, capable of building strategic partnerships while maintaining Arab dignity and pursuing national interests with wisdom and strength.