President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Thursday Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Robert Menendez, who said that Egypt is a "cornerstone for security and stability in the Middle East."
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Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady- File Photo[/caption]
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Director of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel, and the US Ambassador in Cairo, Jonathan Cohen, attended the meeting, according to Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady.
Rady said that Sisi welcomed Senator Menendez in Cairo, and stressed that Egypt places huge importance on the constant engagement with Congress leaders, within the framework of the two countries’ consultations and coordination on various issues.
He added that the President underscored the robust and longstanding strategic relations that Egypt and the US share, reiterating Egypt’s commitment to further advancing bilateral relations, particularly in light of the troubled regional developments and the ensuing challenges, primarily the growing threat of terrorism.
On his part, Menendez stressed that the US also accords great importance to its relations with Egypt, valuing the outstanding level their joint cooperation has reached.
The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee noted that Egypt is considered a cornerstone for security and stability in the Middle East and the Arab world, and is a key partner of the US in the region.
He expressed his profound appreciation for Egypt’s role, under the leadership of President El-Sisi, in combating terrorism and extremist ideology and solidifying the noble concepts and values of freedom of belief, tolerance and the culture of acceptance of the other, in addition to its efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for its citizens.
The meeting tackled current developments and crises in the region.
Menendez also reiterated the US administration's appreciation for Egyptian efforts to restore calm in the Gaza Strip and contain the recent escalation.
In this regard, Sisi affirmed Egypt's position in support of the various efforts exerted to revitalize the peace process and resume negotiations.
"The President stressed Egypt's firm position in this regard, namely to reach a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of an independent state, in accordance with international references, opening up prospects for peaceful coexistence among all peoples of the region," the Egyptian presidency spokesman manifested.
Sisi and Senator Menendez also discussed developments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue, in light of the existing and ongoing coordination between the two countries in this regard.
Sisi asserted the importance of adhering to the implementation of the recent presidential statement of the Security Council regarding the parties’ compliance to reach a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam within a short period, in a manner that achieves the common interests of all parties.
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