Sisi Affirms Palestine's Centrality to Abbas, Stresses Independent State Necessity

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi told Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo Wednesday that the Palestinian issue will remain central to the region until its just, comprehensive settlement. He stressed Egypt's support for Palestinian rights, foremost the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the June 4, 1967 borders. The two leaders discussed developments in the Palestinian issue and regional affairs. Sisi clarified that establishing a Palestinian state, per international legitimacy resolutions, is the sole path to lasting peace and Middle East stability. He affirmed Egypt's continued efforts to support the Palestinian people and achieve settlement. President Abbas, for his part, expressed pleasure at visiting Egypt and meeting Sisi, commending Cairo's efforts in backing the Palestinian cause and protecting Palestinian rights.