Unilateral acts, settlement building undermine chances of two-state solution, Egypt’s FM tells Lapid

CAIRO – 10 December 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry urged refraining from unilateral acts, including those related to settlements built on Palestinian lands, saying they obstruct peace endeavors and undermines chances of a two-state solution.

In a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Yair Lapid, on Thursday, Shoukry said Cairo will continue its efforts and communication with all parties in order to create an appropriate climate for the revival of the desired political path, a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry read.

Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s unwavering stance to support efforts of peace and stability in the Middle East.

The Egyptian minister also highlighted the importance of reviving negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian parties at the earliest opportunity.

This should aim to reach a fair and comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian cause based on the two-state solution and relevant international references in a way that meets the aspirations of peoples of the region in peace, security, and prosperity, Shoukry said.

In the presence of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid in Cairo on Thursday, Egypt has received 95 smuggled Egyptian artifacts that were seized by the Israeli authorities.

Officials of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Israel Antiquities Authority were present.

Meeting with Sisi

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met earlier on Thursday with Lapid in Cairo, where they discussed the bilateral relations, the Palestinian-Israeli cause, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, said Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Radi in a statement.

“The President affirmed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two-state solution and the international legitimate laws, in a way that achieves security and stability and opens up prospects for cooperation and development for all the peoples of the region,” said Radi.

The meeting was attended by Shoukry, Head of General Intelligence Abbas Kamel,  Director-General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Alon Ushpiz, Foreign Policy Advisor at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yair Zivan, and Israeli Ambassador to Cairo Amira Oron.

The meeting dealt with aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, in addition to issues of common interest in the regional and international arenas, especially the Palestinian issue.

Sisi also focused on Egypt’s efforts for reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, adding that Egypt will continue its efforts related to preventing an outbreak of tension between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, Radi continued.