Egypt's foreign minister urges dialogue on North Korea
June 4 (Asia Today) -- Egypt's foreign minister said Wednesday that military pressure is not the answer to North Korea's nuclear program, urging South Korea, the United States and Japan to seek dialogue and diplomacy instead.
Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's minister of foreign affairs, international cooperation and expatriates, made the remarks during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo. The event was held under the theme "Japan's Role in Ending the Conflict in Iran," according to the club.
Asked by Asia Today whether lessons from diplomacy with Iran could be applied to the North Korean nuclear issue, Abdelatty said, "Military solutions are not an option."
"History shows that military solutions do not solve problems," he said. "Rather, they make situations more complicated and place a greater burden on people."
Abdelatty said dialogue is the only viable path.
"The only game in town is promoting dialogue," he said. "We have to sit together and talk. There are clear limits to military options."
He also said sustainable peace requires not a "balance of power" but a "balance of interest."
"Imposing one's will on the other side does not solve the problem," Abdelatty said. "We need to take into account the other side's concerns and interests, and the other side also needs to take into account our concerns and interests."
He said the same principle applies in East Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
"An approach based on international law and multilateralism is needed everywhere," Abdelatty said. "The law of the jungle does not help anyone."
The remarks came as Egypt has played an active role in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East. Abdelatty has held discussions with U.S. and regional counterparts on de-escalation, including proposals related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. (Reuters)
Throughout the press conference, Abdelatty repeatedly emphasized diplomacy over military force.
On Gaza, he described the situation as "catastrophic" and said what is needed now is not a large-scale reconstruction project but an early recovery phase that restores hospitals, schools and clinics.
He also called for expanded humanitarian assistance.
"Palestinians must be treated as human beings," Abdelatty said.
On tensions between Israel and Iran, he said reaching an agreement is the only rational way out.
He said diplomatic efforts must be strengthened to prevent further escalation and restore freedom of navigation.
Abdelatty also expressed hope that Japan would play a more active role in reducing tensions.
"Japan is an important country that maintains good relations with the United States, Iran and Arab countries," he said. "We expect Japan to play a more active role in easing tensions and promoting peaceful solutions in the Middle East."
He said Japan is viewed in the Middle East and Africa as a country without hidden intentions.
"Japan's engagement and mediation efforts are always highly valued," Abdelatty said.
Egypt has been involved in diplomatic mediation related to U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, Middle East de-escalation and cease-fire efforts in the Gaza war.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 4:06 PM.