Cairo: President Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Monday, coinciding with his participation in the opening of the 12th session of the World Urban Forum held in Cairo. The discussions centered around critical issues impacting the Palestinian people, and the broader Middle East region.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, President Abbas expressed gratitude to President Sisi for the invitation to attend the World Urban Forum, underscoring its importance in fostering sustainable urban development on a global scale. He commended Egypt’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, particularly the aim of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
President Abbas lauded Egypt’s consistent stance against the displacement of Palestinians and its efforts to halt Israeli aggression. He emphasized Egypt’s role in facilitating reconciliation efforts, which are crucial for regional stability. The President also raised concern
s over Israeli actions against UNRWA, highlighting the potential repercussions on the refugee situation, and urged the international community to uphold UNRWA’s mandate as per International Resolution 194 and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The discussions also touched on the pressing need for international intervention to address the violence by colonists in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. President Abbas and President Sisi deliberated on joint efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, ensure Israeli withdrawal, and expedite aid delivery to Palestinians.
Additionally, the leaders reviewed Palestine’s endeavors to implement the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, organize an international peace conference, and secure full membership in the United Nations.