Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received today, Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in the presence of his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry and Major General Abbas Kamel, head of the General Intelligence Service.

The official spokesman for the Egyptian presidency, Counselor Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, stated that Blinken conveyed President Joe Biden's greetings to El-Sisi, affirming the continued United States commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, supporting efforts to maintain stability, peace, and development in the region.

The official spokesman explained that the meeting focused on the developments of intensive efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the exchange of detainees, and the implementation of necessary relief aid to end the humanitarian suffering in the Strip.

El-Sisi clarified the tremendous efforts Egypt is making, under difficult field conditions, in leading the process of providing, coordinating, and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, in coordination with relevant UN and relief institutions, emphasizing the pivotal role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in this regard.

He also affirmed the necessity of implementing international and UN resolutions concerned with the crisis and taking serious steps towards a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue, ensuring sustainable stability in the region.

For his part, the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized his country's keenness to continue coordination and joint efforts with Egypt to reach a truce and protect the region from the expansion of the conflict, praising the valued Egyptian effort supporting security and stability in the region.

The U.S. State Department statement also mentioned that Blinken discussed with El-Sisi "the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas.

He also stressed the United States' rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and its commitment to establishing a Palestinian state that provides peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.

The two sides also discussed common goals to achieve regional stability and prosperity, including stopping the Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea.