Shoukry briefs Malaysian FM on Egyptian efforts to revive Palestinian-Israeli negotiation path

CAIRO – 31 May 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry briefed his Malaysian counterpart, Hishammuddin Hussein, on the efforts Egypt has made to build on the Egypt-brokered ceasefire in Gaza and revive the negotiation path between Palestinians and Israelis.

As they spoke via video on Monday, they discussed the developments of the Palestinian issue and the efforts made to achieve peace in the Middle East region.

Shoukry referred to the Egyptian steps to halt escalation in the Gaza Strip and the efforts to urgently revive the negotiations between the two sides and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Shoukry and Hussein discussed other regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They expressed aspiration to continue communication and exchange visits during the coming period to coordinate on the bilateral and international levels.

The ministers also affirmed their keenness to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Pakistan.

They agreed on the need for further measures to achieve a boost in the priority fields, especially on the economic level, in a way that meets the aspiration of the peoples of the two countries.

Shoukry and Hussein also discussed developments related to coronavirus and the means to enhance national capabilities and international efforts to face its implications.

 

On Friday, Israel and the Gaza factions started a ceasefire proposed by Egypt after Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire killed 254 people including women and children.

The Gaza factions also fired rockets at Israeli lands in retaliation for the Israeli assaults against Palestinians in Jerusalem.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said recent developments mandate urgent activation of direct negotiations between both sides backed by an effective involvement of the United States.

Sisi also announced allocating $500 million for the reconstruction of Gaza following the Israeli assaults.