Sisi to Take Part in GCC+3 Summit in Saudi

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is expected to take part in a Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan (known as the GCC+3) hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from July 13-16

"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will visit the Middle East region from July 13-16...and attend a Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council plus Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan (known as the GCC+3).  He will also meet with counterparts from across the region, to advance U.S. security, economic, and diplomatic interests," a statement from the White House said.

Biden will travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is the current chair of the GCC and the venue for this gathering of nine leaders from across the region, at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.

While in Saudi Arabia, the US President will discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. These include support to the UN-mediated truce in Yemen, which has led to the most peaceful period there since war began seven years ago.

He will also discuss means for expanding regional economic and security cooperation, including new and promising infrastructure and climate initiatives, as well as deterring threats from Iran, advancing human rights, and ensuring global energy and food security.

It's noteworthy that the last direct contact between Sisi and Biden was on May 24, 2021 to discuss the negotiations – among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan - on reaching a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

While, the first phone call between the two presidents took place on May 20, 2021, after Egypt had brokered a ceasefire, which was endorsed by the United States, between Israel and Gaza Strip.