Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to show flexibility and reach a political understanding to resolve the current crisis. He made the remarks during a joint press conference with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in Cairo, following talks covering bilateral relations and regional and international developments. Al-Sisi stressed that renewed military operations could have severe humanitarian and economic consequences for the region and the wider world.
Al-Sisi emphasized that all parties involved in the US-Iran crisis should give diplomacy and dialogue greater scope and work towards an agreement that addresses the principal demands and concerns of both sides. He affirmed that Egypt would continue working with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions and achieve a peaceful settlement. Al-Sisi also expressed confidence that US President Donald Trump would support mediation efforts and provide mediators with the backing needed to reach a settlement.
The Egyptian president reiterated Egypt's rejection of any threat to Saudi Arabia or other Gulf states, stressing that Cairo considers Arab national security indivisible. He called for political solutions to regional disputes and warned against a wider cycle of conflict that could disrupt energy and food supply chains. This stance is in line with Egypt's historical position on Arab national security and its commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
The talks also addressed the Palestinian issue, with Al-Sisi calling for the full implementation of Trump's Gaza peace plan and ensuring safe access for humanitarian aid. He rejected the displacement of Palestinians and any attempts to undermine the territorial unity of Palestinian lands. The president reiterated Egypt's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On bilateral relations, Al-Sisi and Pirc Musar agreed to work towards expanding trade and investment and strengthening cooperation in energy, transport, tourism, communications, digital transformation, education, and scientific research. Al-Sisi said the two countries would develop a time-bound action plan to deepen economic and investment cooperation and increase direct engagement between their business communities.
The two sides also discussed linking Egyptian ports with Slovenia's Port of Koper and expanding maritime and logistics cooperation to strengthen supply chains and improve access to Arab and African markets. Pirc Musar said Slovenia saw further opportunities to cooperate with Egypt in water management, artificial intelligence, waste recycling, and the green economy, as well as through closer coordination at the United Nations.
The meeting also addressed developments in the Horn of Africa and the war in Ukraine, with both sides stressing the importance of political settlements and respect for international law. This discussion reflects the global nature of the issues currently facing the international community and the need for cooperation to address them effectively.
Key points
- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi urges the US and Iran to show flexibility and reach a political understanding.
- Al-Sisi and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar agree to expand trade and investment cooperation.
- The two leaders discuss regional issues, including the Palestinian issue and developments in the Horn of Africa.
