Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed their commitment to a ceasefire in Gaza and underscored the importance of implementing the 2020 “Trump” peace plan during talks held in Jeddah on . The meeting, described as a “brotherly visit” by Saudi officials, focused on coordinating positions regarding the Palestinian issue and broader regional stability, according to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency.
Both leaders stressed the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip and the swift initiation of reconstruction efforts following the cessation of hostilities. They also voiced firm opposition to any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land, emphasizing that a lasting resolution requires a comprehensive political process leading to a two-state solution.
The discussions come as the US-backed ceasefire, which began on , continues to be tested by reported violations. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported hundreds of alleged breaches by Israeli forces since the truce began, resulting in , 615 Palestinian deaths and 1,651 injuries, though these figures have not been independently verified.
Beyond the immediate crisis in Gaza, the leaders addressed broader regional and international challenges, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation, dialogue-based solutions, and strengthened Arab solidarity. They underscored the need to respect state sovereignty and refrain from interference in internal affairs – a point of particular sensitivity given the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.
President al-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and extended greetings to the monarch. He also congratulated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, a recently established national holiday celebrating the country’s history and heritage.
The meeting unfolded with a closed-door bilateral session followed by a Ramadan Iftar banquet hosted by the Crown Prince in honor of President al-Sisi and the accompanying Egyptian delegation. This gesture underscores the importance both nations place on maintaining close ties and fostering personal relationships between their leadership.
On the bilateral front, President al-Sisi highlighted the significant progress in relations between Cairo and Riyadh, stressing the importance of expanding cooperation across various sectors. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reciprocated, describing the relationship between the two nations as “pivotal” and expressing a desire to further enhance ties to benefit both populations. This emphasis on bilateral cooperation reflects a growing alignment of interests between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the realm of regional security and economic development.
The reaffirmation of support for the “Trump” peace plan is a notable element of the discussions. While details of the plan remain contentious, its re-emergence as a point of reference suggests a potential shift in diplomatic approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The plan, initially proposed in 2020, envisioned a two-state solution with significant concessions from the Palestinian side, and its implementation has been a source of ongoing debate and opposition.
The leaders concluded their meeting with a commitment to continue and strengthen political consultation and coordination to maintain regional stability. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accompanied President al-Sisi to King Abdulaziz International Airport for his departure, signaling the importance of the visit and the ongoing dialogue between the two countries.
The meeting between al-Sisi and bin Salman takes place against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Red Sea, with recent disruptions to maritime navigation. While not explicitly mentioned in the official statements, regional security and the protection of vital shipping lanes likely formed part of the broader discussions. Egypt and Saudi Arabia both share a strategic interest in maintaining stability in the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade.
The renewed call for a two-state solution underscores the enduring challenge of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite numerous attempts at mediation and negotiation, a lasting peace agreement remains elusive. The commitment from both Egypt and Saudi Arabia to pursue this path, however, signals a continued belief in its viability and a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts to achieve it.
The emphasis on Arab solidarity is also significant, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for a unified approach to address the complex challenges facing the region. From conflicts in Gaza and Yemen to broader geopolitical rivalries, the Middle East is grappling with a multitude of crises that require collective action and coordinated responses.
