Sisi, US spy chief Ratcliffe discuss Gaza, Iran, Sudan, regional security
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and CIA Director John Ratcliffe discussed the Gaza ceasefire, the Iranian crisis, the war in Sudan, and security in the Horn of Africa during talks in Cairo on Sunday, Egypt’s presidency said.
The meeting, attended by Egyptian General Intelligence Service Director Hassan Rashad, also addressed ways to strengthen strategic relations between Egypt and the United States, with Sisi describing Washington as a key strategic partner in political, security, and economic affairs.
Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to resolve the Iranian crisis, saying this would help restore regional security and stability and ensure freedom of international navigation, according to the presidency.
He also reiterated Egypt’s support for the security and sovereignty of Arab states and its rejection of attacks against them, while stressing the need to resolve regional crises through political and diplomatic channels and address their underlying causes.
On Gaza, Sisi stressed the need to fully implement the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to consolidate the ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave. He also praised mediators’ efforts to establish a roadmap for implementing the phase.
Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s call to consolidate the ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure sufficient, sustained humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, while creating conditions for the resumption of the political process towards a just and comprehensive settlement based on international legitimacy resolutions and a two-state solution.
Ratcliffe praised Egypt’s role in reaching the Gaza ceasefire agreement and its continuing efforts to support peace and stability in the region, the presidency said.
On Sudan, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the country’s unity, stability, and legitimate national institutions, stressing that Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity were fundamental principles.
He also highlighted Egypt’s engagement in international and regional efforts to end the war, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and support a political settlement.
The talks also covered developments in the Horn of Africa, with Sisi expressing Egypt’s support for efforts to promote security and stability in Somalia and rejecting any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Ratcliffe conveyed Trump’s greetings to Sisi and said the US administration was committed to continued close coordination with Egypt to strengthen security and stability in the Middle East.
The CIA director also praised Egypt’s role in supporting security and stability in Africa and stressed the importance of continued coordination between the two countries on Sudan, Somalia, the Horn of Africa and international maritime security.
The meeting also covered cooperation between the CIA and Egypt’s General Intelligence Service in security and intelligence, counterterrorism, organised crime, and transnational crime, as well as the exchange of assessments and information on regional and international developments affecting security and stability, the presidency said.