President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt held a crucial meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his accompanying delegation, attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service Major General Abbas Kamel.
During the meeting, the Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, conveyed that Secretary Blinken conveyed greetings from US President Joe Biden and expressed appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in establishing peace and stability in the Middle East. President El-Sisi acknowledged this recognition and praised the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, highlighting the ongoing consultation on various regional and international issues.
The discussions centered on the current situation in the Gaza Strip, with both parties reviewing the latest developments regarding joint mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and facilitating the exchange of captives. President El-Sisi emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and imminent threat of famine faced by innocent civilians in Gaza. He warned against the consequences of any military operation in the Palestinian city of Rafah and stressed the urgency of allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into the region. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of revitalizing the political track, focusing on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Secretary Blinken commended Egypt’s efforts to promote calm and expressed the United States’ commitment to coordination and consultation to restore stability and security in the region. Both sides agreed on the necessity of continued joint efforts, ensuring the access of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, and rejecting any displacement of Palestinians from their lands.
