WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement after visiting Egypt. The bipartisan, bicameral delegation met with the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

“Today, I joined members of a congressional delegation for a productive meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt. 

“We had a lengthy and candid exchange with the President of Egypt about the opportunities and challenges facing our nations.  We also acknowledged that the strategic relationship between our countries has helped support stability in the region and has proven to be important to American national security.

“Egypt has long been a strategic partner to the United States and has benefitted from its peace treaty with the State of Israel.  Looking forward, I was pleased to hear that President El-Sisi is closely following the ongoing efforts to normalize relationships between Israel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

“President El-Sisi agreed with our delegation that we have the opportunity to bring even more stability to the region by normalizing relations between these two important allies.

“I believe President El-Sisi’s leadership in helping find opportunities to address Palestinian concerns as part of a possible peace agreement could prove to be very important.  He has long been a strong advocate for the Palestinians’ cause, while enjoying a good relationship with Israel.  President El-Sisi could be an important and crucial bridge between the parties.”

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