Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, in Cairo on Wednesday for critical discussions on escalating tensions in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. According to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency, the meeting underscored the pressing need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and broader regional stability.
Both leaders stressed the urgency of securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid. However, no details about the duration of Subianto’s visit were disclosed in the statement.
Commitment to Palestinian Statehood
Al-Sisi and Subianto reaffirmed their nations’ support for Palestinian rights, emphasizing the importance of an independent Palestinian state based on internationally recognized resolutions. This issue remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s foreign policy and is also a focus for Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
In addition to addressing regional conflicts, the two leaders explored avenues to enhance bilateral economic relations. President al-Sisi expressed Egypt’s readiness to facilitate Indonesian business and investment in key sectors such as trade, manufacturing, information technology, food security, and renewable energy. This aligns with Egypt’s broader economic diversification efforts to attract foreign investment and boost its economy.
Regional Stability in Syria and Lebanon
Discussions extended to the deteriorating situations in Syria and Lebanon. Both leaders called for the restoration of peace and sovereignty in these countries, emphasizing the need to respect their territorial integrity.
The Cairo talks come just days after reports of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia following the fall of Damascus to anti-regime forces on December 8. The Baath Party’s regime, which had held power since 1963, was overthrown, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
Egypt’s Role in Gaza Mediation Efforts
The meeting coincided with intensified Egypt-Qatar mediation efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. According to Egyptian media, these efforts involve various regional and international parties.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has resulted in over 45,100 deaths, predominantly women and children. The international community has widely condemned the conflict, with both the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) taking action. Last month, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Concurrently, the ICJ is hearing a genocide case against Israel for its actions in Gaza.
A Unified Call for Action
The Cairo meeting underscored the shared responsibility of regional and global leaders to address escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The coordinated efforts of Egypt and Indonesia aim to pave the way for lasting peace and stability in some of the most volatile regions of the world.
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