Egypt Today                               February 17, 2025

   The delegation included Representatives Sheila McCormick (Florida), Chuck Edwards (North Carolina), Jim Costa (California), and James Baird (Indiana).

   This meeting is part of the ongoing dialogue between Egypt and Congress to support bilateral relations and exchange views on developments in the Middle East.

   Ambassador Tamim Khallaf , the official spokesman for the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting focused on the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and the United States and discussed ways to further enhance the strategic partnership that has lasted over four decades.

   Minister Abdelatty highlighted the importance of continued cooperation across various sectors to achieve shared interests. He also praised the active engagement between Egypt and Congress and commended the current US administration’s role in brokering a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, expressing Egypt’s hope for continued US involvement in implementing all aspects of the agreement and ensuring compliance by all parties.

   The official spokesman further noted that the meeting involved a detailed exchange of views on the situation in Gaza.

   Minister Abdelatty explained Egypt’s position on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the country’s efforts to consolidate and implement the ceasefire agreement, including the exchange of hostages and prisoners in cooperation with Qatar and the United States.

   He stressed the importance of maintaining a rapid and continuous flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, given the deteriorating conditions in the area.

   Minister Abdelatty also outlined Egypt’s ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive, multi-stage recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, one that ensures Palestinians remain on their land. He mentioned that the plan is being carried out in coordination with the Palestinian Authority, Arab and Islamic countries, and with support from the international community.

   The Minister emphasized the need for a political resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to break the recurring cycles of violence. He reiterated the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with unified territories in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, based on the two-state solution.

    The meeting also included discussions on the evolving situation in the region, particularly developments in Lebanon. Minister Abdel Aati underscored the critical importance of Israel’s full and unconditional withdrawal from southern Lebanon.