Graham Statement Following Meeting With Egyptian President El-Sisi

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement after leading a bipartisan Senate delegation to Egypt. The delegation met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

“We had a good, productive meeting with President El-Sisi of Egypt. I was also grateful for the frank nature of our meeting.

“During this incredibly stressful time, Egypt, under President El-Sisi’s leadership, has stepped up to the plate to provide stability and create channels for important discussions between the parties.

“Egypt has a peace treaty with Israel and President El-Sisi has been one of the leading advocates of the Palestinian cause. We discussed the role Egypt would play in delivering humanitarian aid and helping secure the release of American citizens trapped in Gaza. The relationship between the United States and Egypt is of tremendous strategic importance to the United States, especially during a crisis like the one we now face.

“I will stay in touch with President El-Sisi in the coming days.”

Members of the bipartisan delegation include U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).