In a landmark diplomatic development, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have pledged to intensify their efforts toward achieving a ceasefire in the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The announcement, made on Sunday during a press conference at the Egyptian presidential palace in Cairo, comes as both leaders marked 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the briefing, President Sisi emphasized that both Egypt and Malaysia are united in their resolve to address the humanitarian crises in the region. The discussions, which spanned various regional and international issues, centered on the urgent need to halt the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, with a specific focus on ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Sisi highlighted Egypt’s unwavering commitment over the past year to mitigate the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly the loss of life and hunger faced by the population in Gaza, stressing Egypt’s broader aim of preventing further instability in the region.
President Sisi also reiterated his position that the two-state solution is the only viable pathway to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as part of a comprehensive peace agreement. Prime Minister Anwar, in turn, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Egypt, focusing on key areas such as trade, investment, education, cultural exchanges, and scientific collaboration.
Anwar also raised concerns over Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which he described as part of a larger pattern of violence and injustice. He criticized Israel’s disregard for numerous United Nations and UN Security Council resolutions and called for accountability, suggesting that Israel should face serious repercussions, including the potential expulsion from the United Nations for its actions.
Prime Minister Anwar is in Egypt for an official visit that runs from November 9 to November 12, at the invitation of President Sisi. The visit aims to further strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two nations, with both leaders agreeing to increase high-level visits in the future. In a joint statement issued following the conference, both nations emphasized the importance of promoting regional peace and security, condemning the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, and calling for an immediate ceasefire to halt the violence. Additionally, the statement highlighted the critical need to safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of regional challenges.
