Palestinian state is the ‘only guarantee’ for regional peace: El-Sisi to Slovenia's Speaker

Ahram Online , Thursday 17 Apr 2025

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed that the establishment of a Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, is “the only guarantee for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.”

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El-Sisi made his remarks during a meeting in Cairo on Thursday with Urška Klakočar Zupančič, the speaker of the National Assembly of Slovenia.

Slovenia has become the latest European country to formally recognize the state of Palestine. This occurred in June 2024 after its parliament approved the move with a majority vote. 

During the meeting, El-Sisi welcomed Slovenia's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood, making it the 147th member of the United Nations to take the step.

President El-Sisi also briefed Zupančič on Egypt's efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire, captive-prisoner release, and humanitarian aid delivery to the strip, a statement by the Egyptian presidency read.

For his part, the Slovenian official expressed support for Egypt's position and reiterated her country's opposition to the displacement of Palestinians, according to the statement.

Zupančič also praised Egypt's leading role and relentless efforts to achieve stability in the Middle East.

Furthermore, she affirmed Slovenia’s commitment to intensifying consultation and coordination with Egypt on issues of mutual interest and in international forums.

Slovenia has previously criticized US President Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and displace Palestinians from their land as “unacceptable.” It also slammed Israel’s blocking of humanitarian aid access to the war-ravaged strip.

Similarly, Egypt presented in March a multi-phase reconstruction plan for Gaza to counter Trump’s colonialist-style plan and prevent the depopulation of Gaza and turning it into a "Middle Eastern Riviera.” The Egyptian plan has received unanimous backing from 22 Arab states.

Moreover, the meeting discussed ways to strengthen Egyptian-Slovenian ties, with El-Sisi commending the recent growth in bilateral relations.

The Egyptian president also emphasized the role of both countries' parliaments in boosting economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

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