On Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss ways to strengthen joint efforts between Egypt, the United States, and Qatar. The focus of the talks was to advance ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
Key Points from the Meeting
In a statement, the Egyptian presidency highlighted that the discussions aimed at facilitating progress in ceasefire negotiations, the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Presidential spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy mentioned that Secretary Blinken conveyed greetings from President Biden. He also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s vital role in restoring stability to the region.
Regional Stability and Egypt’s Role
During the meeting, President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance against escalating the conflict regionally. He emphasized the importance of all parties acting responsibly to avoid further escalation. Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Lebanon in light of recent cyberattacks, stressing the country’s commitment to Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Both sides agreed to intensify joint efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore peace and security in the region. The meeting also touched on developing bilateral relations, with a mutual commitment to resuming strategic dialogue during Blinken’s visit, aimed at advancing the shared interests of both nations.
