Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with Director of US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Ratcliffe on September 20, 2026, in Cairo. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad. According to the Egyptian Presidency, the two officials discussed ways to enhance strategic relations between Egypt and the United States. President Sisi expressed his appreciation for the long-standing and distinguished relations between the two nations, which have been continuously developing across various fields.
During the meeting, President Sisi emphasized that Egypt views the US as a key strategic partner in the political, security, and economic fields. He commended the efforts of US President Donald Trump to achieve security, peace, and stability globally. The Egyptian President also reviewed recent developments in the Middle East, stressing Egypt's support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the Iranian crisis. This, he said, would help restore security and stability in the region and ensure international navigation freedom.
President Sisi reiterated Egypt's stance on supporting Arab security and sovereignty, rejecting any aggression against Arab states. He emphasized the importance of resolving regional crises through political and diplomatic channels, addressing their root causes, and preserving national institutions, state unity, and territorial integrity. US Intelligence Director Ratcliffe conveyed President Trump's greetings to President Sisi, expressing his appreciation for the meeting and the US administration's commitment to working closely with Egypt to promote Middle East security and stability.
Ratcliffe praised Egypt's pivotal role in supporting efforts to reach peaceful and comprehensive settlements to regional crises. He noted the high level of cooperation between the CIA and Egyptian General Intelligence in security, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime. The meeting also touched on developments in the Palestinian issue, with President Sisi stressing the importance of fully implementing the second phase of the US President's plan to stabilize the Gaza ceasefire. He commended the efforts of mediators to establish a roadmap for implementing this phase.
President Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, based on international legitimacy and the two-state principle. Ratcliffe, in turn, praised Egypt's pivotal role in achieving the Gaza ceasefire and its ongoing efforts to support peace and stability in the region. The two officials also discussed the Sudanese crisis, with President Sisi affirming Egypt's unwavering support for Sudan's unity, stability, and legitimate national institutions. He emphasized that Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity are unshakeable constants.
President Sisi highlighted Egypt's active and constructive engagement in international and regional forums addressing the Sudanese crisis, aiming to halt the war, alleviate humanitarian suffering, and support a political settlement. The meeting also covered developments in the Horn of Africa, with President Sisi expressing Egypt's full support for efforts to achieve security and stability in Somalia and rejecting any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. Ratcliffe expressed US appreciation for Egypt's role in promoting African security and stability.
The US Intelligence Director emphasized the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries on regional issues, including the Sudanese crisis, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa. This, he said, would help address security, geopolitical, and terrorist threats, as well as organized crime. The meeting demonstrated the strong bilateral ties and shared commitment to regional stability and security.
Key points
- Egypt and the US discussed enhancing strategic relations and cooperation on regional security issues.
- President Sisi emphasized Egypt's support for a comprehensive solution to the Iranian crisis and the Palestinian issue.
- The meeting highlighted the importance of continued coordination between Egypt and the US on regional crises, including Sudan and Somalia.
