Egyptian Foreign and Immigration Minister Badr Abdelatty met with prominent members of the US Congress on Monday, to discuss the Gaza ceasefire, broader Middle East peace efforts, and bilateral relations. In a series of meetings in Washington, Abdelatty met with Congressman Brian Mast, Chairperson of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Senator Lindsey Graham, Chairperson of the Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, Co-Chair of the Friends of Egypt Caucus; and Senator Susan Collins, Chairperson of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The situation in Gaza was a primary focus of the discussions. During his meeting with Diaz-Balart, Abdelatty outlined Egypt's "intensive efforts to implement the three phases of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the exchange of prisoners and hostages, as well as the accelerated entry of humanitarian aid." He emphasized the need to find a political track for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict leading to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. Abdelatty said his meeting with Mast "involved an extensive discussion on developments in the Middle East," as well, where he "emphasised the importance of Egyptian-American cooperation in achieving a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis, based on international law and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state through a two-state solution." He also highlighted the need to implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, complete the three phases of prisoner and hostage exchange, and commence early recovery and reconstruction efforts. During his meeting with Graham, Abdelatty outlined "Egypt's recent efforts to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement, the three phases of prisoner and hostage exchange, and the expedited delivery of humanitarian aid to the sector given the deteriorating conditions." Abdelatty told congressional leaders that Egypt would continue its efforts to achieve regional security and stability, and a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis, based on international law and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state through a two-state solution. During the meeting with Collins, Abdelatty highlighted the long-standing Egyptian-American relationship, spanning over four decades, and the active engagement between Egypt and the Congress. He emphasized Egypt's vital role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of accelerating early recovery programmes to pave the way for reconstruction. Collins affirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, expressing her appreciation for the central role Egypt plays in reducing escalation in the region and achieving security and stability in the Middle East. She also praised Egypt's mediation efforts that led to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Beyond Gaza, Abdelatty's discussions with Mast also addressed the situation in Sudan. Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's support for Sudanese state institutions, the necessity of a ceasefire, and respect for Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Discussions also covered developments in Syria. Abdelatty emphasised Egypt's support for the Syrian people, the need to respect the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and the importance of initiating a political process that includes all components of Syrian society, ensuring that Syria becomes a source of stability in the region. The conversation touched upon the situation in Lebanon. Abdelatty expressed Egypt's welcome of the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a Lebanese government. He hoped that these steps would contribute to achieving security and stability in Lebanon and fulfilling the aspirations of the Lebanese people, and underscored the importance of consolidating the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in fulfilling their duties. Regarding Libya, the Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of working towards resolving the executive authority crisis as soon as possible, forming a new unified government to pave the way for presidential and parliamentary elections, supporting the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned solution, and ending all forms of foreign presence in Libya to preserve its unity and sovereignty. During his meeting with Graham, Abdelatty expressed appreciation for the Senator's support for the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, "emphasising the special nature of Egyptian-American relations and their mutually beneficial outcomes across various fields." Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's vital role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East. Graham said he appreciates "the important role played by the Egyptian President in supporting security and stability in the region," while confirming his full support for developing the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States. He emphasized the need for continued coordination and consultation between the two sides to serve their shared interests. Diaz-Balart said he appreciates "Egyptian-American relations and Egypt's vital role in achieving security and stability in the Middle East." He praised the mutually beneficial outcomes of the long-standing strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, emphasizing the need for continued coordination and consultation between the two countries on various regional issues.
