Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Wednesday that he had invited US President Donald Trump to attend a signing ceremony if a peace deal for Gaza succeeds. The invitation was widely reported in regional Arabic media, such as Al-Ain and Al-Arabiya, as a sign of optimism about the possible end to fighting in Gaza.
The Egyptian leader made the comments during a televised speech at an Egyptian Police Academy graduation ceremony. “It would be truly wonderful if, should an agreement be reached, you could attend its signing,” he said in a message directed to Trump.
Sisi believes the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh are progressing positively. His comments came amid reports that Egypt’s General Intelligence chief, the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister, and the director of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization are all in Sinai for the talks.
An Israeli and US delegation are also present. Sisi wants the two-year war in Gaza to end. It has deeply affected Egypt.
'Very encouraging developments'
Al-Arabiya noted that Sisi said “Negotiations are currently underway in Sharm el-Sheikh to end the war, and our hearts are with these negotiations. I note with great appreciation and respect President Trump’s genuine desire to end the war during the current round of negotiations.” He added, “The news I’ve received from the Sharm el-Sheikh meetings is encouraging, and we hope to seize the opportunity and ensure that the war ends in the current round of negotiations.”
Al-Arabiya also noted that “the Egyptian President stressed that no one can threaten the Egyptian state, affirming its ability to overcome any challenge and confront any threat. Al-Ain media noted that “Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi affirmed that there are very encouraging developments in the talks to end the war in Gaza and called on his American counterpart to attend the signing of a ceasefire agreement in Egypt, if one is reached.”
Sisi also said “There are important envoys sent by President Trump to Sharm el-Sheikh. I received very encouraging words that I would like to announce to the Egyptians, the region, and the world: They are coming with a strong will, a strong message, and a strong mandate from President Trump to end the war during the current round of negotiations. I hope all participants seize the opportunity to end the war.”