El Sisi, Trump talk Gaza ceasefire, economic relations

El Sisi, Trump discuss Gaza, cooperation: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi spoke over the phone with US President Donald Trump yesterday, during which the two discussed “critical importance of advancing the implementation of the first and second phases of the ceasefire agreement,” according to an Ittihadiya statement. They also discussed the need for increased humanitarian aid delivery.

No mention of the elephant in the room: Ittihadiya didn’t mention if the two leaders touched on Trump’s calls for Egypt to open its doors for Palestinians currently residing in Gaza. Last week, Trump proposed that the masses of displaced Palestinians be pushed into Egypt and Jordan in an effort to “clean out” Gaza — the proposal was strongly rejected by the Egyptian and Jordanian sides.

Also discussed: The two leaders touched on the need to boost economic and investment relations and water security cooperation. El Sisi invited Trump to visit Egypt for further discussions as well as to participate in the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled for 3 July. Trump also invited El Sisi to visit Washington and hold in-person meetings at the White House.

The international press took note of the news: Reuters.

IN OTHER DIPLOMACY NEWS-

Egypt hosts regional foreign ministers to discuss Gaza: Foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Palestine met in Cairo yesterday alongside the Arab League Secretary General to discuss the situation in Gaza, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. The ministers emphasized their support of the ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages, stressing the need for Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza and the entrance of humanitarian aid. The meeting called for urgent efforts to rebuild Gaza and ensure Palestinians can stay on their land.

More meetings to come: Egypt, in partnership with the UN, plans to host a conference centered around the reconstruction of Gaza and urged international donors to step up. The ministers expressed support for the international conference on Palestine being co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France in June 2025.

AND- El Sisi congratulated Syria's new interim president Ahmed Al Sharaa after the now-former leader of Hayat Al Tahrir Al Sham was appointed to the position by a council of armed factions Wednesday, according to an Ittihadeya statement. “I extend my congratulations to Mr. Ahmed Al Sharaa on assuming the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic during the transitional period, and I wish him success in achieving the Syrian people's aspirations for further progress and prosperity,” El Sisi said.

Some corner of the international press also picked up the statement: Reuters.