What files are discussed between President Sisi, US National Security Advisor?

CAIRO - 12 May 2022: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Wednesday, to discuss bilateral ties, the Palestinian-Israeli cause, and the repercussions of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict, besides the files of security, food, water, and fuel.

At the beginning of the meeting, the US National Security Advisor conveyed President Joe Biden’s greetings to President Sisi, stressing the importance and strength of the Egyptian-American alliance, said Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady in a statement on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry; head of General Intelligence Major General Abbas Kamel, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo Nicole Shampaine, Middle East Coordinator at the Security Council Brett McGurk, Head of the North Africa Department of the US National Security Council  Joshua Harris, and Senior Advisor to the President of the US National Security Council Ariana Berengaut.

President Sisi also asked to have his greetings conveyed to US President Joe Biden, stressing Egypt's keenness to strengthen its extended strategic partnership with the United States, enhance cooperation and coordination between the two countries at various levels, and support efforts to restore security and stability in the Middle East.

As for the files discussed, Rady said that the two sides tackled the latest developments of the Palestinian cause as the US Advisor’s visit coincides with the assassination of Palestinian Journalist Sherine Abu Aqleh, as the Israeli occupation forces fatally shot Abu Aqleh while on duty.

“The President reiterated that resolving the Palestinian issue according to the international references would impose a new reality and open new doors for building peace and building bridges of trust, cooperation, construction and development throughout the Middle East,” Rady said.

The National Security Advisor expressed the US administration’s profound appreciation for Egypt’s continued efforts to establish peace in the region, highlighting the country's primary role in the truce between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, and its initiatives for the reconstruction of Gaza, Rady continued.

Furthermore, the developments and repercussions of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict were discussed. National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement that Sullivan’s meeting with President Sisi tackled “the global consequences of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine, and Washington’s support for Egypt’s security, food, and fuel needs.”

President Sisi affirmed Egypt’s position based on the need to strengthen the pillars and national institutions of countries in crises to end the suffering of their peoples, preserve their capabilities, and help fill the vacuum that allowed terrorist groups to expand and spread.

“In the same context, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the field of combating terrorism and extremist ideology,” Rady said.

Sullivan praised Egypt's tireless efforts in this regard and consensus was reached on the importance of promoting cooperation between the two sides in this field in the coming stage, given that terrorism is a major threat at the international level.

“On the developments of the Renaissance Dam issue, the president clarified the necessity of reaching a binding legal agreement for the process of the filling and operation of the dam, in a manner that preserves Egyptian water security and achieves the common interests of the three countries,” Rady said.