For first time in 13 years, Israeli Occupation FM arrives in Egypt

MENA

Published: 2021-05-30 12:51

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 05:16


Source: Al Monitor
Source: Al Monitor

Gabi Ashkenazi arrived in Cairo on Sunday to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry on the situation in Gaza, in what is the first visit by an Israeli Occupation foreign minister to Egypt in 13 years.

"Thank you for inviting me, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. It is the first visit by an Israeli foreign minister to Egypt in 13 years," Ashkenazi wrote on Twitter in Arabic.

He added, "During this visit, we will hold a number of meetings to discuss bilateral issues to enhance economic and trade relations, and to delve into the truce mechanisms regarding Gaza and rebuild the Strip under international supervision."

The Israeli Occupation minister also indicated that he would focus during the talks "on returning our soldiers and citizens who are in the grip of Hamas."

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement Saturday that Shoukry will receive his Israeli Occupation counterpart "to hold a session of talks at the Tahrir Palace" in central Cairo.

Ashkenazi's visit to Egypt comes as the Egyptian intelligence chief arrives on Sunday to Palestine to follow up on the ceasefire agreement between the Israeli Occupation and Hamas, which was mediated by Egypt after 11 days of violence that left over 250 Palestinians dead.