US secretary Blinken to visit Egypt as part of diplomacy tour

CAIRO – 4 January 2024: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Egypt as part of his ‘diplomacy tour’, commencing later Thursday.

Blinken, in a post on his "X" platform account, stated that he will return to the region to participate in additional diplomatic efforts regarding the situation in Gaza.

He added, "I will continue to urge the protection of civilian lives and work intensively with partners to secure the release of hostages and ensure the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza."

In the same context, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Mattew Milller, mentioned in a press statement that Secretary Antony Blinken will embark on a tour starting later today, lasting until the eleventh of this month, including Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, and the West Bank.

He further stated that Secretary Blinken will emphasize the importance of protecting civilian lives in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza; securing the release of all remaining hostages; the joint commitment to facilitate the delivery of increasing and sustainable humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and the resumption of essential services; and ensuring the non-displacement of Palestinians forcibly from Gaza.

The Secretary will also discuss urgent mechanisms to halt violence, calm rhetoric, and reduce regional tensions, including deterring Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and avoiding escalation in Lebanon.

According to the U.S. State Department spokesperson, Blinken will reiterate the United States' commitment to working with partners to create the necessary conditions for peace in the Middle East, including comprehensive and tangible steps towards establishing a future Palestinian state alongside Israel, where both parties live in peace and security