In a significant diplomatic encounter on February 13, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened with William J. Burns, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in the presence of Major General Abbas Kamel, Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service.
According to Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, Spokesman for the Presidency Counselor, the meeting reaffirmed the robust strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. Burns conveyed President Biden’s greetings to President El-Sisi and commended Egypt’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Gaza Strip, including efforts to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages. Egypt’s consistent provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the onset of the crisis was also acknowledged.
During the meeting, discussions centered on the current developments in the region. Both parties reiterated their commitment to ongoing consultation and coordination efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, safeguarding civilian lives, and advancing the two-state solution.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian President on Tuesday also engaged in discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.
Their talks focused on efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and protecting civilians from the deteriorating conditions in the Strip. The two sides discussed joint efforts in this regard, as well as efforts to deliver humanitarian aid.
“The meeting confirmed the extreme danger of escalating operations in Rafah in southern Gaza and warned of the serious consequences of such an action, in light of the risks of the exacerbating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip,” the statement by the Egyptian Presidency mentioned.
