Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Monday held separate meetings in Cairo with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Bahrain's National Security Adviser Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to discuss bilateral ties and the ongoing Gaza crisis, according to a presidential statement. Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy said Sheikh Mohammed conveyed greetings from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and reaffirmed Doha's commitment to strengthening relations and boosting joint investments. Al-Sisi expressed appreciation for Qatar's relations with Egypt, stressing the shared determination to elevate their partnership in line with current regional and international challenges. The statement said both leaders, in coordination with the United States, emphasised the urgent need for an agreement on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the swift and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages and detainees. They also reiterated their rejection of any reoccupation of Gaza or forced displacement of Palestinians, underlining that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital remains the only path to lasting peace. Al-Sisi further highlighted the need to launch reconstruction efforts in Gaza without delay and to prepare for the Cairo International Reconstruction Conference in coordination with the UN and the Palestinian Authority. Later in the day, President Al-Sisi received Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, accompanied by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who conveyed greetings from Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Bahraini delegation praised Egypt's role in supporting regional stability. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and the situation in Gaza, with both sides stressing the urgency of accelerating humanitarian aid delivery, rejecting the displacement of Palestinians, and working jointly to contain regional tensions and safeguard stability.
