Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Israeli President Isaac Herzog on assuming office and the occasion of the Jewish New Year, ahead of an upcoming visit by Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to Sharm El-Sheikh.
Official spokesman for the Egyptian presidency, Bassam Radi, said that during a phone call, Herzog expressed his appreciation of Egypt’s role in achieving peace and stability in the region under Sisi’s leadership.
They discussed aspects of bilateral relations between their countries and issues and files of common interest in light of the dangers in the region. The call further touched on efforts to revive peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Bennett will travel to Sharm El-Sheikh this week to meet with Sisi and discuss the Palestinian situation.
The PM had received the invitation from the head of the Egyptian General Intelligence, Major General Abbas Kamel, who visited Israel weeks ago.
The visit is the first by an Israeli prime minister in more than ten years.
It will be held days after a tripartite summit that was held between Sisi, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Jordanian King Abdullah II in Cairo. The summit stressed the need for concerted efforts along with partners to revive Palestinian-Israeli peace talks.
Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities announced that the Rafah border crossing with Gaza will remain open to allow the crossing of stranded passengers and urgent cases from both sides.
Sources said border authorities will continue to facilitate all procedures needed to pass reconstruction materials and humanitarian aid to the coastal enclave.
