Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi affirmed on Monday Egypt's support for all efforts to achieve comprehensive peace in the Middle East, based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy resolutions, which contribute to enhancing security and prosperity for all peoples in the region. This came during Sisi's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh.
The meeting addressed the latest developments in regional and international situations, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, Sisi emphasized the importance of international support for Egypt's efforts in the reconstruction of Palestinian areas, as well as the necessity of maintaining calm between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, especially given Egypt's ongoing efforts to ease tensions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
On the other hand, a statement from Bennett's office indicated that "the two leaders discussed a series of files, including ways to deepen and enhance cooperation between the two countries, especially expanding mutual trade. A range of regional and international issues were also discussed."
Bennett thanked Sisi for "Egypt's important role in the region," adding that "more than four decades after its signing, the peace treaty between the two countries still serves as a cornerstone for the security and stability of the Middle East." He affirmed the "concrete role that Egypt plays in maintaining security stability in Gaza and in finding a solution to the issue of prisoners and missing persons."
Bennett stated upon his return to Israel: "I just finished a first visit with the Egyptian president. The meeting was very important and very good. During our meeting, we established the infrastructure for establishing a solid relationship, paving the way for continued communications between us." He continued, "We discussed a series of political, security, and economic issues and ways to deepen relations and enhance the interests of both our countries. Israel is now opening up to countries in the region, and the foundation for this long-term recognition is the peace between Israel and Egypt, so we must both make efforts to strengthen these relations, and this is what we did today."
The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and head of the intelligence service Abbas Kamel. From the Israeli side, the meeting, which is the first of its kind between an Egyptian president and an Israeli prime minister in more than ten years, was attended by the head of the National Security Council, the military secretary to the prime minister, as well as the Israeli ambassador to Cairo.
