Egypt's president, US national security adviser hold talks on Libya, Gaza

ISTANBUL

Egypt and the US have agreed to intensify international efforts over preparations for Libya’s upcoming elections and to continue coordination for the stabilization of an Egyptian-mediated cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza, the Egyptian Presidency said Wednesday.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed a host of issues with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Cairo, including the situations in Libya and Gaza, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and the situations in Yemen, Tunisia, Syria and Iraq, in addition to bilateral relations, it said.

It said both sides stressed the importance of coordination on the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya along with the unification of Libyan military institutions.

The statement also said the two sides agreed to continue coordination to ensure the stabilization of the cease-fire between Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza and Israel.

Egypt is mediating a cease-fire deal between Israel and Palestinian resistant groups in Gaza following the last Israeli military offensive on Palestinian territory in May.

Sullivan also reiterated his country's commitment to ensuring the water security of Egypt along with preserving the water rights of other countries.

Sullivan's Middle East tour includes stops in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara