Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Egyptian President El-Sisi

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Cairo on the margins of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue. Secretary Blinken underscored that the strategic dialogue will continue to expand the multi-faceted relationship between our two countries. The two discussed the existential nature of Egypt's growing water needs and how vital the Nile River is to the Egyptian people.

On regional security, the Secretary discussed efforts to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza that would alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The Secretary thanked the President for Egypt's ongoing efforts as a mediator in this effort.

Secretary Blinken also lauded Egypt for hosting Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict, for their efforts to increase humanitarian access, and for Egypt's work to bring the warring parties together to achieve a cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace in Sudan.