CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry began his US visit on Wednesday by calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during meetings with Senate members.
He held talks with Dem. Chris Coons, Rep. Ted Cruz, Rep. Marco Rubio, Rep. Lindsey Graham and Dem. Ben Cardin, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
Shoukry highlighted the importance of achieving an immediate truce, protecting Palestinian civilians and ensuring regular access to humanitarian aid.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s position, rejecting all forms of forced displacement or resettlement of Palestinian refugees and displaced people outside their lands.
The foreign minister also said Egypt would stand with the US administration’s opposition to ideas that aim to kill the Palestinian cause and exacerbate the destabilization of the region.
Shoukry said Cairo was keen to forge a strategic partnership with Washington.
He added that the turbulent regional and international situation requires a strategic partnership between the two countries and a mutual will to establish peace in the region.
Shoukry’s meetings also covered aspects of bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen economic and military ties, said Ahmed Abu Zaid, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman.
