During his visit to Israel on Sunday 4 Tammuz, in which he met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry explained his country is willing to host talks towards advancing a peace agreement between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Egypt views itself as the mediator to host talks amid stalled negotiations between Israel and the PA. FM Shoukry explained “the two-state solution is not farfetched”, confident Cairo can bring the sides to agreement, which Egypt is confident will add to regional stability and peace.

The high-level visit was the first involving an Egyptian Foreign Minister in close to a decade, as FM Ahmed Abu-Gheit arrived in Israel in 2007.

In this case, Shoukry was dispatched by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is seeking to host negotiations while calling on Arab nations to promote peace with Israel.

Last month Shoukry visited with PA Chairman Abu Mazen in the latter’s Ramallah office, delivering what was billed “an important message” from al-Sisi to the PA leader, a message that has not been publicized.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)