Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a meeting with CIA Director William Burns, a spokesman for the Presidency said on Tuesday.

According to the spokesman, the meeting was also attended by Director of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel.

During the meeting, both emphasized the strong strategic partnership between Egypt and the US and its vital role in Middle East security and stability, spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said, adding that both sides committed to enhancing cooperation, especially in security and intelligence, to address regional challenges and promote stability.

Egypt's 🇪🇬 President Abdel Fattah Sisi met with @CIA CIA 🇺🇸 Director William Burns on Tuesday, stressed the necessity of an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians & facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza 🇵🇸

No mention of Israel 🇮🇱https://t.co/hIwjCzYyUIhttps://t.co/zmyDqWtS08 pic.twitter.com/5y7h9nCgQc

— Saad Abedine (@SaadAbedine) November 7, 2023

The discussion also included various regional and international concerns, with a focus on the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's call for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid.

On his part, Burns expressed his commitment to closely coordinate with Egypt to resolve the ongoing war.

Egypt not to host Palestinians in its territory

On October 13, El-Sisi refused to host Palestinians as refugees in its territory, saying that Egypt is already providing safety and security to "nine million guests, as I call them, from many countries who came to Egypt for security and safety".  

He mentioned that the situation of Gazans "is different" as their displacement would signify "the elimination of the (Palestinian) cause".  

In 1979, Egypt became the first Arab nation to establish diplomatic relations with "Israel," following a six-year war that concluded in 1973.

Read more: Egypt refuses to call 'Israel's' attacks self-defense