Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi received US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe on September 20, 2026, in a meeting attended by Egyptian General Intelligence Director Hassan Rashad. The meeting focused on enhancing strategic relations between Egypt and the United States. President Sisi expressed Egypt's appreciation for its long-standing and distinguished relations with the US, which have continued to evolve across various fields.
President Sisi emphasized that Egypt views the US as a key strategic partner in politics, security, and economics. He commended US President Donald Trump's efforts to achieve global security, peace, and stability. The two leaders discussed regional developments, with President Sisi supporting efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the Iranian crisis, promoting regional security and stability, and ensuring freedom of international navigation.
During the meeting, President Sisi reiterated Egypt's stance on supporting Arab state security and sovereignty, rejecting any aggression against them. He stressed the importance of resolving regional crises through political and diplomatic channels, addressing their root causes, and preserving national institutions, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Ratcliffe conveyed President Trump's greetings to Sisi, expressing US appreciation for the meeting.
The meeting also covered the Palestinian issue, with President Sisi emphasizing the importance of fully implementing the second phase of the US plan to stabilize the Gaza ceasefire. He praised efforts by mediators to establish a roadmap for this phase. Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to a ceasefire, civilian protection, and sustained humanitarian aid access to Gaza, as well as preparations for a political process to achieve a fair and comprehensive solution.
Ratcliffe acknowledged Egypt's pivotal role in achieving the Gaza ceasefire agreement and its ongoing efforts to support peace and stability in the region. The leaders also discussed the Sudanese crisis, with President Sisi reaffirming Egypt's support for Sudan's unity, stability, and legitimate national institutions. He emphasized that Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are unassailable.
President Sisi noted Egypt's active engagement in international and regional frameworks addressing the Sudanese crisis, aiming to halt the war, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and support a political settlement. The meeting also touched on developments in the Horn of Africa, with Sisi expressing Egypt's support for achieving security and stability in Somalia and rejecting any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Ratcliffe appreciated Egypt's role in promoting African security and stability, emphasizing the need for continued coordination and consultation between the two countries on regional issues, including Sudan, Somalia, and international navigation security. The leaders' discussion reflected a shared commitment to addressing security, geopolitical, and terrorist threats, as well as organized crime.
Key points
- President Sisi and Ratcliffe discussed the importance of a comprehensive agreement to end the Iranian crisis.
- Egypt and the US are committed to enhancing strategic relations across various fields.
- The leaders emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to regional crises, including the Sudanese and Palestinian issues.
