Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for maintaining the stability and freedom of international navigation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Anadolu reports.

“The current developments in the Middle East and their negative repercussions on the global economy, trade and energy flows, and supply chains affirm the close link between security and development,” Sisi says in his speech at a closed session of the Brics summit in New Delhi.

“Given its strategic location and pivotal role in global trade, Egypt recognises the importance of maintaining the stability and freedom of international navigation,” he adds in comments carried by a presidency statement.

“We must continue building on what has been achieved within BRICS and utilise our countries’ potential by establishing specific projects and programs that support the Sustainable Development Goals, diversify sources of growth, enhance productivity, and narrow development and technological gaps.”