El-Sisi, Trump discuss Gaza ceasefire, regional peace process in phone call

Ahram Online , Saturday 1 Feb 2025

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed the ongoing ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the means to reach lasting peace in the Middle East via telephone on Saturday with US President Donald Trump.

Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi
Combined images of (From L to R) Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump. AFP

 

According to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency, El-Sisi told Trump that a peace process that leads to a permanent solution in the region must be launched.

He expressed confidence in Trump's ability to reach a historic and permanent peace agreement.

"The international community is counting on President Trump's ability to reach a permanent and historic peace agreement that ends the conflict that has existed in the region for decades," the statement quoted the Egyptian president as saying.

In addition, according to the statement, El-Sisi highlighted Trump's commitment to peace, which was a central theme of his inauguration speech. 

The statement also noted that the two leaders had 'positive discussions' about the Gaza Strip. These discussions focused on the urgent need to implement the first and second phases of the ceasefire agreement and intensify humanitarian aid to Gaza's residents.

The call is the first between the two leaders following Trump's suggestion to relocate Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt—a suggestion that both President El-Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan have rejected.

The statement continued that El-Sisi invited Trump to visit Egypt to enhance strategic relations between the two nations and discuss the complex issues and crises currently facing the Middle East.

He also invited Trump to participate in the opening of the new Egyptian Museum.

Moreover, the statement pointed out that Trump extended in return an open invitation to the Egyptian president to visit Washington and meet at the White House.

In conclusion, the statement highlighted the two presidents' keenness to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East and their agreement on the importance of ongoing communication and enhancing coordination between their countries on matters of mutual interest.

A White House statement said both leaders spotlighted Egypt’s important role in the release of captives from Gaza, with El-Sisi expressing his confidence in Trump’s ability to usher in “a golden age of a Middle East peace.”

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