Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe on September 20, 2026, in Egypt. El-Sisi expressed his country's full support for achieving security and stability in Somalia. He emphasized Egypt's stance against any infringement on Somalia's sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity. This meeting was attended by Head of Egypt's General Intelligence Service (GIS) Hassan Rashad.
Ratcliffe acknowledged Egypt's active role in promoting security and stability across Africa. He stressed the importance of continued coordination between Egypt and the US, particularly on issues like the Sudanese crisis, developments in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and international maritime security. This coordination aims to address security and geopolitical challenges, terrorist organizations, and organized crime.
The meeting covered various topics, including Egypt-US strategic bilateral relations and developments in the Middle East. Discussions included the war in Iran, the ceasefire plan for Gaza, the Palestinian cause, and the Sudanese crisis. Ratcliffe conveyed US President Donald Trump's greetings to El-Sisi and expressed the US administration's desire for close coordination with Egypt to promote security and stability in the Middle East.
Ratcliffe praised Egypt's pivotal role in supporting efforts to reach peaceful and comprehensive solutions to regional crises. He highlighted the strong cooperation between the CIA and Egypt's GIS in security and intelligence, counterterrorism, combating organized crime, and addressing transnational crimes. This cooperation is seen as crucial in addressing shared security concerns.
The CIA chief's visit to Egypt comes amid various regional security challenges. Somalia has been facing threats from al-Shabab, a militant group. Egypt's support for Somalia's stability is seen as significant in the region. El-Sisi's assurance of support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity is viewed as a crucial aspect of Egypt's foreign policy.
The meeting between El-Sisi and Ratcliffe reflects the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and the US. Both countries have been working together on various regional and international issues. Egypt's role in promoting stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa is seen as vital in maintaining regional security.
The discussions between El-Sisi and Ratcliffe also touched on the importance of addressing security challenges in the region. The two officials emphasized the need for continued coordination and consultation to address shared security concerns. Egypt's commitment to supporting Somalia's stability and sovereignty is seen as a key aspect of its foreign policy in the region.
Key points
- Egypt's President El-Sisi assures CIA chief of support for Somalia's stability and sovereignty.
- Egypt rejects any infringement on Somalia's sovereignty, unity, or territorial integrity.
- The US and Egypt emphasize the importance of coordination on regional security challenges.
