Staff report: CAIRO, July 29, 2018 - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has asserted Egypt's keenness on developing its strategic relations with the United States and continuing its contacts with various segments of the US society. The president's assertion of this position came during his meeting Sunday with President of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) Ronald Lauder, with General Intelligence Service Chief Abbas Kamel attending, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said. Such an attitude, the president said, contributes to making the picture clear about the true challenges facing the region and enhancing the common positions of the two sides and their efforts to restore stability and security to the Middle East. During the meeting, President Sisi reviewed the efforts being made by Egypt to reach political solutions to regional crises in accordance with the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and non-interference in their internal affairs, Spokesman Radi said. WJC chief Lauder praised the strength of ties that bind Egypt and the United States and expressed appreciation for the efforts made and key role played by Egypt in facing the danger of terrorism which is threatening the security and stability of the Middle East and the world, Spokesman Radi said. The WJC chief also noted in this connection that such efforts are being made parallel to Egypt's drive to push forward the process of development and realise comprehensive economic renaissance, Ambassador Radi said. Mr Lauder also expressed admiration for the achievements that Egypt has made in a short period of time, emphasising that the economic developments now under way in Egypt significantly contribute to attracting more foreign investments into the country and restoring the Egyptian economy's due global standing, the spokesman added. A number of regional issues, including in the foremost the Middle East peace process, were considered during the meeting, Spokesman Radi said. President Sisi emphasised Egypt's support for various efforts aimed at resuming the peace process between the Palestinian and the Israeli sides in accordance with international frames of reference, including in the foremost the two-state solution according to the June 4, 1967 borders, thereby contributing to the creation of such a new reality in the region as would help restore security and stability to various countries. In this connection, President Sisi stressed that the realisation of inter-Palestinian reconciliation and the legitimate authority's resumption of undertaking its responsibility in the Gaza Strip would help push forward the endeavours to revive negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis and to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause.
