Two-state solution only way to achieve peace, stability: Sisi

Cairo - Sisi's remarks came during his meeting with his visiting Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has said establishing a Palestinian state through the two-state solution is the only way to achieve stability, peace, prosperity and development in the region.
Sisi's remarks on Wednesday came during his meeting with his visiting Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas, Xinhua reported.
The Egyptian president stressed Egypt's pursuit to reach a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The two leaders held talks on the latest developments of the Palestinian cause within the framework of ongoing coordination and cooperation between the two countries to probe the Arab and international efforts aiming at confronting the recent US decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
For his part, Abbas expressed his appreciation for Egypt's endeavours to support the Palestinian people, asserting that Egypt spared no effort to help establish a Palestinian independent state. The Palestinian president also lauded Egypt's recent stance in the United Nations to overcome the US decision as well as its efforts to achieve reconciliation between rival Palestinian factions.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has again stressed the importance of preserving the status quo in Jerusalem and urged fresh talks between Israel and Palestinians on a two-state solution, the Vatican said on Thursday.
Referring to "the unique nature of Jerusalem" in a letter to Egypt's top Muslim cleric Ahmed Al Tayeb, Francis said that "only a special status, guaranteed by the international community, can preserve its identity, (and) unique vocation as a place of peace". Only in that way "would allow a future of reconciliation and hope for the entire region", he said.
"The Holy See will not cease from urgently calling for dialogue to resume between Israelis and Palestinians for a negotiated solution aimed at the peaceful coexistence of two states," the letter continued.

• MENA