Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Monday Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Cairo. The meeting was attended by the Egyptian General Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad and Sheikh Khalfan bin Ali Al Kaabi, Head of Qatar's State Security Agency. Sheikh Mohammed conveyed Qatar's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, stressing Doha's interest in expanding joint investment projects that serve the aspirations of both peoples. Sisi and Sheikh Mohammed underlined the importance Egypt and Qatar attach, along with the United States, to efforts aimed at reaching an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They called for urgent and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid, the release of hostages and detainees, and rejected any return to military occupation of Gaza or attempts to displace Palestinians. The meeting affirmed that establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international legitimacy, is the only path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. President Sisi also stressed the need to start reconstruction in Gaza immediately after a ceasefire and to prepare for the Cairo International Conference for Reconstruction in cooperation with the Palestinian government and the United Nations. The meeting also reflected shared views on intensifying joint efforts to promote political and peaceful solutions to regional crises, with respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity. They agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination to advance mutual interests and regional stability. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
