Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has stressed the importance of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the US in protecting interests of both countries and enhancing regional security.
Sisi was speaking during a meeting with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Wednesday.
The meeting took up the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and efforts to proceed with negotiations about a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage-detainee swap deal, said presidential spokesman Ahmed Fahmy.
He added that Sisi pressed for firm action to remove obstacles preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling that a top priority.
Sisi also urged an immediate stop of Israeli atrocities in the West Bank and escalation policies against the Palestinians, the spokesman said.
The two sides agreed that a two-state solution is the only way to achieve sustainable peace and security, Fahmy noted.
Sisi stressed Egypt’s rejection of attempts to escalate and expand the conflict in the region, particularly Lebanon, the spokesman said. He added that Sisi reiterated Cairo’s full support for Lebanon following the recent cyber attack. Egypt is keen on Lebanon’s security, stability and sovereignty, Sisi told Blinken. They agreed on the need to intensify joint efforts to de-escalate the tension in the region, Fahmy noted.
Blinken conveyed President Joe Biden’s best regards to Sisi and voiced appreciation for the vital role played by Egypt to restore regional stability, the spokesman said.
Sisi and Blinken also discussed means of boosting bilateral relations and resuming the strategic dialogue between their countries, Fahmy added.
