Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Thursday in Cairo with a delegation from the US Congress Egypt's ongoing anti-terror Operation Sinai 2018, according to a statement by the presidency spokesman. El-Sisi said that Egypt's fight against terrorism is part of "an integrated strategy that also includes reforming religious discourse in a way that reflects the noble values of the Islamic religion, as well as instil the principles of citizenship, equality and acceptance of others." Operation Sinai 2018 was launched in February to combat terrorist activity in North Sinai and other parts of the country. The Thursday meeting was attended by members of the US congress, including the head of the US delegation Darrell Issa, as well as Egypt's acting head of intelligence Abbas Kamel and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. El-Sisi highlighted the progress that has been achieved militarily and in development projects undertaken to serve the economic and social needs of families living in Sinai. The Egyptian president stressed that his government is giving top priority to development projects in Sinai as a major part of combating terror. The officials also discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with El-Sisi highlighting Egyptian efforts to ease the pressure and suffering of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The president also stressed the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive political settlement to the conflict. The congressmen also met with Egyptian FM Shoukry, who expressed that US support for Egypt reflects the distinct ties between the two countries as well as their common interests. Shoukry apprised the delegation of the political, security and economic developments in Egypt, as well as the country's ongoing reform programme. The foreign minister also answered questions the congressmen had about developments in the region, especially the Syrian crisis and the prospects for a political solution to the conflict, as well as the situation in Libya and the achievement of national consensus. Shoukry also talked about Egypt's assessment of the risks of the ongoing escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the dangers of the continued stalemate in the peace process. The FM also apprised the congressmen about the latest developments concerning the deadlock in the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam talks.
