In a significant demonstration of global commitment to peace in the Middle East, world leaders and prominent figures gathered in Egypt’s Administrative Capital today, responding to an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the Cairo Peace Summit. The core objective of the summit is to deliberate on de-escalation measures in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories.
The summit has notably attracted participation from 31 countries and three international organizations. Key attendees include leaders from Qatar, Turkey, Greece, Palestine, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Italy, and Cyprus. Moreover, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also marked his presence at this influential gathering.
In a significant diplomatic gesture, UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently visited Tel Aviv, arrived in Cairo and is expected to partake in peace talks, focusing on the evolving situation in Israel and Gaza.
President El-Sisi emphasized, during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the summit’s pivotal role in halting ongoing escalations, addressing Gaza’s deteriorating humanitarian situation, and giving a renewed impetus to the peace process.
In parallel, UK Foreign Minister James Cleverly lauded Egypt’s initiative in hosting this global summit to address the ongoing crisis and align international efforts. During his visit to Egypt, Cleverly engaged in high-level discussions, including talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, highlighting Egypt’s collaboration with the UN to establish a logistical center in El-Arish to streamline humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Cleverly further acknowledged the indispensable role Egypt plays in the current conflict, expressing shared recognition of the urgency to halt escalations, promote peace, stability, and safeguard civilian lives.
Moreover, Italy’s government confirmed that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni would represent Italy at the summit, refuting previous indications that the nation would be represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also confirmed his participation. He previously held telephonic discussions with President El-Sisi on the Middle East situation, lauding the Egyptian leader’s efforts to ensure swift humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Sanchez has consistently championed a two-state solution — Israel and Palestine — expressing regret at the international community’s past indifference. He reiterated Spain’s commitment to the Palestinian people, pledging additional financial support, amounting to over four million euros by the end of the year, signifying a 30% increase from the previous year.
Other participating countries at the summit include the United States, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, UK, Norway, China, Morocco, among others, signifying a united global front in pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
