Arabic version: السيسي ومدير وكالة الاستخبارات المركزية يناقشان الأمن الإقليمي
According to Allafrica, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met CIA Director John Ratcliffe to discuss strategic relations between Egypt and the United States, as well as regional security developments. General Intelligence Service Director Minister Hassan Rashad also attended the meeting.
Egypt’s presidency said El-Sisi described the United States as a key strategic partner in political, security and economic spheres. He praised coordination and consultation between the two countries on regional and international issues, while Ratcliffe conveyed greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump and said the U.S. administration was committed to close cooperation with Egypt.
The discussions addressed the Middle East and Egypt’s support for a comprehensive agreement to resolve the Iranian crisis, restore regional security and stability, and ensure freedom of international navigation. El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s support for the security and sovereignty of Arab countries and its rejection of aggression against them.
On Gaza, El-Sisi stressed the need to fully implement the second phase of the U.S. president’s plan to consolidate the ceasefire. He called for civilian protection, adequate and unfettered humanitarian aid access, and conditions for restarting a political process toward a two-state solution. Ratcliffe praised Egypt’s role in the Gaza ceasefire agreement and in advancing peace efforts.
The meeting also covered Sudan, Somalia and the Horn of Africa. El-Sisi reaffirmed support for Sudan’s unity, stability and legitimate national institutions, and voiced Egypt’s full support for efforts to strengthen Somalia’s security and stability. He also rejected any infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. Ratcliffe highlighted cooperation between the CIA and Egypt’s General Intelligence Service on security, intelligence, counterterrorism, organized crime and transnational crimes.
