El-Sisi, CIA’s Ratcliffe discuss Africa, Middle East crises in Cairo

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and CIA Director John Ratcliffe met in Cairo on Sunday to discuss ongoing crises across Africa and the Middle East, Daily Post reports.

El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for a broad agreement resolving the Iranian crisis, including restoring regional security and freedom of navigation, while stressing his country’s backing for Arab states’ sovereignty and firm rejection of aggression against them.

He further highlighted Egypt’s role in Sudan’s political settlement efforts, called for reinforced security in Somalia without infringing on its sovereignty, and urged protection for Palestinians alongside a resumption of the two-state solution process.

Ratcliffe, in turn, praised Egypt’s contributions to African peace and the Gaza ceasefire, indicating Washington would deepen cooperation with Cairo to bolster Middle East stability.

The talks, attended by Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, further underscored growing collaboration between the CIA and Egypt’s General Intelligence Service on counterterrorism and transnational crime.

Coming just weeks after Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow, the Cairo meeting signals Washington’s push to keep Egypt firmly anchored within its strategic orbit amid shifting regional alliances.