Egypt and the US agreed on the need to strengthen efforts toward reaching political solutions to regional crises to ensure the territorial integrity of states and the resources of their peoples.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met on Thursday with the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Robert Menendez, in the presence of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Director of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel, and US Ambassador to Cairo Jonathan Cohen.
Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said that Menendez expressed his profound appreciation for Egypt's role, under Sisi’s leadership, in combating terrorism and extremist ideology, and efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for its citizens.
Sisi underscored the "robust and longstanding strategic relations between Egypt and the US," reiterating Cairo's commitment to further advancing bilateral relations in light of the regional developments and challenges, primarily the growing threat of terrorism.
Menendez stressed that the US also accords great importance to its relations with Egypt, valuing the "outstanding level of their cooperation."
He noted that Egypt is a cornerstone for security and stability in the Middle East and the Arab world and a vital partner in the region.
He also reiterated the US administration's appreciation for Egyptian efforts to restore calm in the Gaza Strip.
The President affirmed "Egypt's position in support of the various efforts exerted to revitalize the peace process and resume negotiations."
Sisi stressed Egypt's firm position in this regard, namely to reach a "just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state, under international references, opening up prospects for peaceful coexistence among all peoples of the region."
Earlier, Sisi received a phone call from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The presidential spokesman stated that they discussed the ongoing preparations for the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference, which will take place in Glasgow, UK.
Both leaders stressed the need to strengthen coordination to ensure that this session would bring about positive results to promote the international community's efforts amid the current global climate crisis.
They also touched on the most prominent forms of bilateral relations and ways to develop them in defense, security, and combating terrorism, including means to revive tourism from Britain to Egypt.
They discussed regional developments, especially the situation in Libya, and agreed to support holding the elections there as scheduled by the end of this year.
They also stressed that it is crucial that all foreign forces and mercenaries leave Libya.
