CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received phone calls from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday.
El-Sisi and Mohamud discussed Egypt-Somalia relations as well as ways to develop joint cooperation and deepen coordination across a range of sectors, an Egyptian presidential statement said.
Ahmed Fahmy, spokesman for the Egyptian presidency, said that the call also touched on regional developments.
El-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s desire to stand by Somalia and support its security and stability.
Separately, the Egyptian leader spoke to Mitsotakis via phone on Wednesday.
Mitsotakis said that his country seeks to enhance cooperation with Egypt following El-Sisi’s reelection. He highlighted Greece’s commitment to consultations with Egypt on developments in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Fahmy said that El-Sisi lauded the strategic nature of Egypt-Greece relations and highlighted Cairo’s desire to promote relations at both the bilateral level and through the Trilateral Cooperation Mechanism with Cyprus.
The call also involved discussion on the Gaza Strip. El-Sisi reiterated the need for the international community to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and alleviate the humanitarian disaster in the enclave.
El-Sisi and Mitsotakis agreed to continue consultations in order to encourage stability in the region.
Meanwhile, El-Sisi received a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by Sen. Joni Ernst.
The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
Fahmy said that there was an open discussion between El-Sisi and the US delegation on regional developments, notably the Gaza Strip.
According to a presidential statement, El-Sisi reviewed the situation and reiterated the need to work toward a just and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian issue through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
He said that achieving a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and ensuring humanitarian aid is a central priority.
El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s absolute rejection of any attempts to end the Palestinian cause through forced displacement.
He also highlighted the crucial need to prevent the Gaza conflict spilling over into the wider region, warning of the grave repercussions this would have on regional and international peace and security.
