Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Aati met the US Congressman Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as part of a series of engagements with key congressional leaders.
Their discussions covered regional developments, with a particular focus on the Middle East peace process.
Minister Abdel-Aati reiterated Egypt’s commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership with the United States, which has spanned over four decades, benefiting both nations.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s stance on importance of achieving a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians based on international legitimacy, the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The talks addressed the need for implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza in its threephases, facilitating hostage and prisoner exchanges, and initiating early reconstruction efforts.
The meeting also touched on the situation in Sudan, where Minister Abdel-Aati underscored Egypt’s support for Sudan’s state institutions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Regarding Syria, Minister Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to a political process that includes all segments of Syrian society and maintains the country’s unity and stability.
As for the situation in Lebanon, Abdel-Aati welcomed the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a new government and expressed hope that these steps would promote security and stability.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire agreement and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in fulfilling their national duties.
On Libya, the foreign minister highlighted the urgent need to resolve the executive authority crisis, form a unified government, and hold the presidential and parliamentary elections.
He also called for an end to foreign interference, ensuring Libya’s sovereignty and stability.
Minister Abdel-Aati also held discussions with Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
He outlined Egypt’s efforts to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement and stressed the importance of launching early recovery programmes to pave the way for reconstruction.
Abdel-Aati also called for a long-term political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution.
Senator Collins acknowledged the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US, commending Egypt’s crucial role in de-escalating tensions and brokering the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
In another high-level meeting, Minister Abdel-Aati met Senator Brian Schatz, the Democratic Minority Leader of the Senate Subcommittee on Foreign Operations Appropriations.
Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties across various sectors, including economic and cultural co-operation.
The discussions also covered Egypt’s efforts to stabilise the region amid ongoing conflicts, with a particular focus on implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement and ensuring humanitarian aid access to the embattled enclave.
