Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a meeting in Cairo on Sunday, September 21, 2026, to exchange views on the ongoing crises in several parts of Africa and the Middle East. The meeting was an opportunity for both leaders to discuss pressing regional and international issues. El-Sisi and Ratcliffe engaged in a comprehensive discussion on the current state of affairs in the region. Their talks aimed to foster greater understanding and cooperation between Egypt and the United States.
During the meeting, El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's support for a broad agreement that resolves the Iranian crisis, including the restoration of regional security and the freedom of international navigation. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. The Egyptian President also reiterated his country's backing for the security and sovereignty of Arab countries and its emphatic rejection of aggression against them. Egypt's stance on the Iranian crisis reflects its broader commitment to regional stability.
El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's contributions to international and regional frameworks on the Sudanese crisis, aimed at ending the war, alleviating suffering, and pursuing a political settlement. Egypt has been actively engaged in efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis. The Egyptian President emphasized the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address the crisis. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation in finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
On the Horn of Africa, El-Sisi insisted that security and stability in Somalia must be reinforced, rejecting any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. He emphasized the need for a stable and secure Somalia. The Egyptian President urged protection for Palestinians, humanitarian access, and resumption of political settlement in line with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the two-state solution. El-Sisi's comments reflect Egypt's commitment to regional stability and security.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe praised Egypt's role in promoting peace in Africa and achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, indicating that Washington will enhance cooperation with Cairo to bolster stability in the Middle East. Ratcliffe commended Egypt's efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He also acknowledged the collaboration between the CIA and the Egyptian General Intelligence Service in security, intelligence, counterterrorism, organized crime, and transnational crimes. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening US-Egyptian cooperation.
The meeting between El-Sisi and Ratcliffe was attended by GIS Director Hassan Rashad, signaling a new level of partnership in intelligence gathering, sharing, and assessment on various regional and international developments. The attendance of GIS Director Hassan Rashad underscored the importance of the meeting. The partnership between Egypt and the US is expected to yield significant benefits in terms of regional security and stability. The meeting marked a new chapter in US-Egyptian relations.
Egypt maintains a long-standing strategic and military alliance with Western allies, particularly the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Ratcliffe's visit to Egypt came barely a month after he met counterparts in Russia, whose diplomatic relations with Egypt date back to 1943. The meeting between El-Sisi and Ratcliffe reflects the strong ties between Egypt and its Western allies. Egypt's relations with Russia also highlight its commitment to maintaining a balance in its international relations.
Key points
- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and CIA Director John Ratcliffe discussed ongoing crises in Africa and the Middle East.
- El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's support for a broad agreement that resolves the Iranian crisis.
- Ratcliffe praised Egypt's role in promoting peace in Africa and achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
