Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Sunday met Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu during a rare visit to the Jewish state in an effort to rekindle the stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestine that has stoked anger in the region and escalated violence.
Shoukry, who arrived here to discuss an Egyptian initiative to break the deadlock, said his trip was a “continuation of Egypt’s longstanding sense of responsibility” towards peace for itself and all the people of the region. Shoukry’s visit marks the first by an Egyptian Foreign Minister in nine years. Netanyahu welcomed the Egyptian initiative. “I welcome President al-Sisi’s recent offer of Egyptian leadership in efforts to advance peace with the Palestinians and a broader peace in our region,” he said.
“Today I call again on the Palestinians to follow the example of Egypt and Jordan and join us for direct negotiations,” he said.