Cairo, 22 March 2024 (TDI): On Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a diplomatic mission to Cairo. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi received Antony Blinken on a Cairo visit, his sixth trip to the Middle East since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas.
President Al-Sissi stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, deploring the humanitarian crisis and famine threatening the lives of civilians in Gaza, particularly in the town of Rafah where almost 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge.
“Negotiators continue to work. The gaps are narrowing, and we’re continuing to push for an agreement in Doha,” Blinken said at a news conference in Cairo. “There’s still difficult work to get there. But I continue to believe it’s possible,” he added.
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Speaking at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Shoukry, Secretary Blinken emphasized the enduring partnership between the United States and Egypt.
He reiterated the importance of collaboration in addressing regional challenges, including counterterrorism efforts, the promotion of human rights, and advancing the peace process in the Middle East.
Antony Blinken visited Cairo and commended the country’s pivotal role in mediating diplomatic initiatives across the region, including facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties and promoting stability in neighboring countries. He affirmed the United States’ support for Egypt’s efforts in maintaining regional peace and security.
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In addition to diplomatic meetings, Secretary Blinken also engaged with civil society representatives and young leaders to gain insights into Egypt’s social and political landscape.
The previous day, Antony Blinken had visited Saudi Arabia to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of prisoners and hostages, and the strengthening of international humanitarian efforts, according to Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department.
Blinken will travel to Israel on Friday for talks aimed at negotiating a ceasefire agreement, as well as voicing US concerns about Israel’s plans to extend its ground offensive to the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah.
