Sisi and the CIA Director Discuss Crises in Gaza, Iran, and Sudan

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received John Ratcliffe, the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), today, Sunday, in the presence of Minister Hassan Rashad, Head of the General Intelligence Service, in a meeting that discussed a number of regional and international issues, in addition to the strategic relations between Egypt and the United States.

Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the official spokesman for the presidency, stated that the meeting addressed ways to enhance the strategic relations between Cairo and Washington, where President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's pride in the longstanding relations between the two countries, praising the level of coordination and consultation regarding regional and international issues of mutual interest.

President El-Sisi confirmed that Egypt views the United States as a key strategic partner in political, security, and economic fields, appreciating the efforts made by U.S. President Donald Trump to achieve security, peace, and stability in the world.

The official spokesman added that President El-Sisi reviewed during the meeting the developments in the Middle East, affirming Egypt's full support for efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the Iranian crisis, which contributes to restoring security and stability in the region and ensuring freedom of international navigation.

The president reiterated Egypt's supportive stance for the security and sovereignty of Arab countries, rejecting any aggression against them, emphasizing the importance of resolving regional crises through political and diplomatic channels, and addressing their root causes comprehensively to preserve national institutions and safeguard the territorial integrity and regional safety.

The meeting also addressed developments in the Palestinian issue, where President Sisi emphasized the importance of fully implementing the second phase of the U.S. president's plan aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, praising the efforts made by mediators to reach a roadmap that ensures the implementation of this phase.

Sisi reiterated the constants of the Egyptian position, foremost of which is establishing a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and ensuring the adequate and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, in addition to creating suitable conditions for resuming the political process.

The president confirmed that the goal is to reach a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution principle.

For his part, Ratcliffe praised the Egyptian role in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and Cairo's ongoing efforts to support the peace process and enhance stability in the region.

The official spokesperson clarified that the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency conveyed to President Sisi the greetings of U.S. President Donald Trump, affirming the U.S. administration's keenness to continue close coordination with Egypt to enhance security and stability in the Middle East.

Ratcliffe also praised Egypt's role in supporting efforts for a peaceful resolution to the region's crises, noting the level of cooperation between the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the Egyptian General Intelligence in the fields of security, intelligence, counter-terrorism, organized crime, and transnational crimes.

The discussions addressed the Sudanese crisis, where President Sisi affirmed Egypt's supportive stance for Sudan's unity and stability and the preservation of its legitimate national institutions.

The president emphasized that Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are constants that cannot be compromised, pointing to Egypt's engagement in international and regional frameworks concerned with the crisis, aimed at stopping the war, alleviating humanitarian suffering, and supporting the political settlement process.

The meeting also covered developments in the Horn of Africa, where President Sisi affirmed Egypt's full support for efforts to achieve security and stability in Somalia, and its firm rejection of any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity.

The Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the relevant parties in both countries regarding the Sudanese crisis, the situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, international navigation security, as well as addressing security, geopolitical challenges, terrorist organizations, and organized crime.