Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone call discussing several regional issues and topics of mutual interest, including human rights. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, "Sisi received a call from his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden... The call addressed some topics of mutual interest, including the issue of human rights, where the commitment to engage in a transparent dialogue between Egypt and the United States in this regard was emphasized."
The official spokesperson for the presidency stated that the call also included "exchanging views and assessments regarding the developments of regional issues of common interest, in addition to discussing topics related to bilateral cooperation between Egypt and the United States." In this context, Biden confirmed the value of the fruitful partnership, constructive cooperation, and mutual understanding between the United States and Egypt, expressing the U.S. administration's desire to enhance bilateral relations with Egypt in various fields, especially considering Egypt's pivotal regional and international role and its effective political efforts in supporting security and stability in the region and resolving its crises.
The statement noted that Sisi "confirmed the strength of Egyptian-American relations and their strategic nature, emphasizing Egypt's continued efforts to enhance the strategic relations between the two countries within a stable framework of common interests and mutual respect." The spokesperson mentioned that the call also discussed exchanging views on the current status of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue, where Sisi welcomed the ongoing U.S. efforts in this regard, reaffirming "Egypt's commitment to its water rights through reaching a fair and binding legal agreement that ensures clear rules for the filling and operation of the dam."
Biden clarified, according to the Egyptian presidency's statement, "Washington's full understanding of the paramount importance of this issue for the Egyptian people," indicating his intention to exert efforts to ensure Egypt's water security, and an agreement was reached to enhance diplomatic efforts in the upcoming period to reach an agreement that preserves the water and developmental rights of all parties.
The statement also highlighted that during the call, developments regarding the Palestinian issue and ways to revive the peace process following recent developments were discussed, as well as support for solidifying the ceasefire reached between the Palestinian and Israeli sides with Egyptian mediation and full American support, along with international efforts aimed at rebuilding Gaza and providing urgent humanitarian assistance.
The statement affirmed that "the U.S. President reiterated Washington's deep appreciation for the successful efforts of the president and Egyptian authorities in reaching the recent ceasefire, expressing his hope for continued consultation and coordination with him in this regard."
The statement also noted that the call addressed the latest developments in the Libyan issue, emphasizing the agreed importance of working to restore balance among the pillars of the Libyan state and its stability, while maintaining its national institutions, leading to the electoral entitlement by the end of this year. Biden praised Egypt's diligent efforts regarding the Libyan issue, which have bolstered the political process in Libya, and agreement was also reached to enhance joint efforts to reintegrate Iraq into the region.
The call also included discussions on other topics of mutual interest, including the human rights issue, where the commitment to engage in a transparent dialogue between Egypt and the United States was reiterated.
