Ghada El Sharkawy , Tuesday 11 Nov 2025

Egypt is a gateway to the entire continent and the Middle East, and its influence extends beyond its borders, as many countries trust its diplomatic expertise and experience, German Federal Foreign Office State Secretary Dr Géza Andreas Von Geyr said during an interview with Ahram Online.

Dr Géza von Geyr oversees political and bilateral relations at the German Federal Foreign Office, including ties with the Middle East, as well as security policy and European affairs.

Ahram Online posed a series of questions to Dr Géza von Geyr regarding Germany's vision on current regional issues and its role in supporting stability and development in the countries of the region.

Germany’s stance and foreign policy are key to assessing the next phase and reinforcing regional and international partnerships.

His remarks come at a sensitive moment, as the region experiences rapid political and security developments.

Ahram Online: How does Germany define its role as a European power, a transatlantic partner, or an independent actor in the ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts across this region (Sudan, Libya, Israel, Palestine)?

Von Geyr: We live in especially challenging times. No country in the world can do without partners, without friends. For that reason, we combine all three dimensions that you mentioned.

We coordinate our policy most intensively within the EU and with our European partners, above all France and Great Britain, in the E3 format.

Having said this, the transatlantic relations with the United States are of utmost importance to us.

We also have a profound interest in intensifying our bilateral ties with important key partners overseas. Here, I see our cooperation and friendship with Egypt. Your country is playing an important role in your region and beyond.

AO: To what extent are Germany’s actions in this region coordinated with the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and with the United States, and where do German priorities diverge?

VG: We are convinced that peace, security, economic growth, and progress can only be achieved through cooperation.

Looking at the situations in Gaza, Sudan, Libya, Ukraine, or the Western Balkans, we work within the EU to pool diplomatic and humanitarian resources and ensure a coherent European — and, where possible, international — response.

Within the European Union, some issues are debated with considerable passion, but on most matters, all 27 member states reach consensus. At the same time, Germany remains a traditional nation-state with clearly defined national interests aimed at safeguarding its key goals: security, freedom, and prosperity.

AO: How does your government balance the urgent need for humanitarian aid and crisis relief with the long-term goal of fostering political stability and democratic development in these nations?

VG: For me, there is no contradiction between humanitarian relief and long-term stability; on the contrary, they belong together, they complement each other.

Humanitarian assistance is a central element of our foreign policy and part of an integrated approach that combines diplomacy, stabilization, development cooperation, and resilience-building to address crises comprehensively.

Only by supporting both immediate needs and long-term governance can we help societies recover. That goes for Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.

AO: How important is Germany’s strategic partnership with Egypt, considering Egypt’s role as a regional mediator, particularly between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and its national security interests in Libya and Sudan? What are the key areas Germany seeks to strengthen in bilateral cooperation with Egypt?

VG: Egypt serves as a gateway to both Africa and the Middle East, and its influence extends further, with many countries valuing its diplomatic experience and expertise.

I deeply appreciate Egypt's crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas, facilitating humanitarian access to Gaza and hosting the upcoming reconstruction conference in Cairo.

We are ready to cooperate closely with Egypt and other stakeholders to support the peace plan for Gaza.

Moreover, we share a strong and common interest in peace and sustainable stability in Libya and Sudan.

We aim to further strengthen cooperation with Egypt in regional diplomacy, renewable energy, and economic development, always alongside an open dialogue on governance and human rights.

AO: Considering Egypt’s reliance on the Nile, what role can Germany play in promoting dialogue among riparian states, such as Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, to ensure regional water security and stability?

VG: I understand that the Nile is central to Egypt’s history, society, and economy, as well as to its future.

There seems to be an eternal bond between your country and the magnificent River Nile. We are hence committed to supporting Egypt’s water security and sustainable management.

Germany provides significant assistance, around 156 million euros, to improve water efficiency, and we actively engage with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) to foster dialogue among all riparian states.

In my opinion, all states must cooperate to find fair solutions that meet the needs of all people depending on the Nile and strengthen stable, cooperative relations in the region.

For the same reason, regarding the Rhine River in Europe, the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine was established in 1815 as Europe’s first international organization and continues to operate today.

AO: Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security is often described as „Staatsräson“ (Reason of State). How do you interpret this principle when addressing the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories and when disagreeing with specific Israeli government policies, such as settlement expansion?

VG: During the Nazi regime and World War Two, Germany inflicted the greatest horrors on other countries in Europe and tried to exterminate the European Jews.

From these horrors, we draw two basic lessons: first, Germany will always stand for the existence and security of the State of Israel, and we will always defend human rights and international law.

For that reason, we condemned the attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and demanded the release of all hostages and their remains.

At the same time, we are deeply committed to alleviating the grave humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.

Since 7 October, Germany has provided up to 375 million euros in humanitarian aid, making it one of the largest donors.

And we are ready to continue: our focus is on delivering unconditional humanitarian assistance in line with international law, while advocating for a negotiated two-state solution.

As for the government of Israel, of course, we have a very open dialogue and do criticize certain developments. The expansion of settlements, for example, in our opinion, is nothing that helps guarantee the lasting security of the State of Israel.

AO: Does Germany support the growing international momentum toward recognizing a Palestinian state, particularly following recent moves by several European countries? What role can Germany realistically play in reviving the two-state solution in the near future?

VG: We remain convinced that lasting peace and stability in the Middle East require a negotiated two-state solution.

The conflict involves complex issues, from security arrangements to the dismantling of checkpoints and ultimately the reconciliation between the peoples.

Recognition alone cannot resolve these practical challenges on the ground. In our view, it must come at the end of a negotiated process.

At the same time, I agree that this process should begin now. We strongly support initiatives like the Saudi-French effort, which refocuses attention on dialogue and concrete steps toward peace.

We also continue to support the Palestinian Authority and the necessary reforms in building state structures and alleviating the worst hardship through humanitarian aid.

Peace will only be a real peace when all people in the region can live in security and in dignity.

AO: If a permanent resolution is reached, what specific contributions is Germany prepared to make to the reconstruction and long-term governance structure of the Gaza Strip?

VG: Germany supports the implementation of the peace plan for Gaza. We are closely coordinating with our partners on how to best establish a functioning long-term solution.

Therefore, we very early decided to be present with military and civil personnel in the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC), and we will be engaged in the upcoming reconstruction conference in Egypt.

We will continue to provide humanitarian and early recovery support to meet urgent needs in Gaza.

Recently, we contributed 29 million euros in humanitarian aid and 30 million euros to the Palestinian Authority to help the Palestinian citizens.

Reconstruction will, of course, require much more. Our goal is to combine immediate relief with long-term support for governance, state-building, and recovery.

AO: What is Germany’s stance on the escalating conflict in Sudan, and how is Berlin working to promote peace and humanitarian aid access?

VG: The humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly in El-Fasher, is dire; it is hell on earth. We have seen unspeakable crimes.

Tens of thousands are trapped, facing hunger and insecurity. Germany has made it clear that attacks on civilians and health facilities must stop immediately.

All parties, especially the RSF, have a duty to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid organizations and to guarantee safe escape routes for civilians.

Germany is actively supporting efforts to promote peace, including the Quad peace plan led by the US, Egypt, Saudi-Arabia, and the UAE, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a transition to civilian-led governance.

We also back the African Union’s initiative to bring together Sudanese civilian actors; the future of Sudan must ultimately be decided by its people.

AO: Do you see room for stronger EU-African cooperation to address the Sudanese crisis?

VG: Absolutely. Germany has fully enhanced EU-African coordination to ensure effective humanitarian aid, strengthen mediation efforts, and support a political transition.

Close cooperation can help translate regional initiatives, like the Quad plan, into tangible results for the Sudanese people.

AO: How does Germany evaluate the political stagnation in Libya since the Berlin Process? Is Germany planning any renewed diplomatic push to bring Libyan factions back to negotiations?

VG: The current situation in Libya is clearly unstable and does not serve the peaceful and prosperous future Libyans deserve.

We welcome the UN’s renewed initiative to revive a Libyan-owned, Libyan-led political process.

In August, SRSG Hanna Tetteh presented a roadmap for national elections within 12 to 18 months.

We hosted a Berlin Process plenary in June for the first time in four years and stand ready to support further meetings as needed. Germany remains fully committed, with Egypt as a key partner in this process, and we highly value our close cooperation on this important issue.

AO: What does Germany consider to be the most critical prerequisite for successful national elections in Libya?

VG: Successful elections depend on several key elements, among which are governance, security, clarity on the constitutional and legal basis, and a commitment by all candidates to accept the outcome.

AO: How does instability in Sudan and Libya directly affect Germany and the EU, particularly regarding migration flows and the presence of transnational terrorist groups?

VG: In our globalized world, instability knows no borders. Ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Libya create a humanitarian crisis, fuel migration, and provide a sanctuary for transnational terrorist or criminal groups.

Germany remains engaged to support a more stable and peaceful future for both countries, for the benefit of their citizens and the broader region.

Further fragmentation and escalation need to be prevented. This will have a positive effect on security in Germany and Europe.

AO: Of all the countries in your portfolio, which one currently presents the most complex or urgent diplomatic challenge to German foreign policy, and why?

VG: Both the Russian war against Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza represent urgent challenges for German foreign policy and indeed the entire world.

Both situations demand simultaneous attention, combining humanitarian, political, and security measures.

At the same time, and I say this without overstating our role, it is in Germany’s interest to maintain a global perspective.

We remain actively engaged with our partners wherever challenges arise. But let me be clear: our focus on Ukraine and Gaza does not lessen our commitment to Africa or the Middle East. We stay attentive to crises worldwide and continue to respond wherever our support is needed and requested.

Nevertheless, answering your question, I must refer to my own continent: We live in a time when the stability and security of Europe and of the transatlantic partnership are challenged like never before since the fall of the Berlin wall.

So, my most vital concern is for lasting stability and security in Europe. We Europeans will be able to continue to be a stability anchor for our neighbours.

Link to the interview in Al Ahram Online