Évian-les-Bains, France — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump held talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, focusing on Middle East stability, Gaza, the recently announced US-Iran agreement and the long-running dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
The meeting took place amid intensified diplomatic activity following the US-Iran agreement and ongoing efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Egypt’s participation in the summit reflects the growing importance attached by major international powers to regional actors capable of contributing to conflict resolution, energy security, migration management and broader regional stability.
During the talks, El-Sisi welcomed the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran, congratulating Trump on the breakthrough and expressing hope that it would help prevent further escalation in the Middle East and contribute to resolving regional conflicts through diplomacy. The Egyptian president reaffirmed Cairo’s readiness to work with regional and international partners to support implementation of the agreement and advance broader stability efforts.
Trump praised Egypt’s role in supporting regional de-escalation and mediation initiatives, commending El-Sisi’s contribution to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions across the region. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on regional developments and strengthen political consultations between Cairo and Washington.
The Palestinian issue featured prominently in the discussions, with El-Sisi stressing that a just and comprehensive settlement remains essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to continued coordination with the United States to support efforts aimed at restoring calm in Gaza, expanding humanitarian assistance and facilitating reconstruction. El-Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s longstanding position that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under a two-state solution remains the only sustainable path toward lasting regional peace and security.
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the long-standing strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, which has spanned more than four decades and encompasses security cooperation, economic development, counterterrorism and regional diplomacy. El-Sisi congratulated Trump ahead of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, while Trump expressed Washington’s desire to further expand cooperation with Cairo.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Nile water dispute and the GERD, one of Egypt’s most sensitive national security concerns. El-Sisi underscored the strategic importance of the Nile River to Egypt’s economic and social stability and highlighted the need for a fair, balanced and legally binding settlement that safeguards the water rights and interests of downstream countries.
Trump responded by acknowledging Egypt’s concerns over the issue and pledged to give the dispute the “highest priority” while supporting efforts aimed at reaching a fair solution. Earlier remarks by the US president described the dam dispute as a source of “tremendous problems for Egypt” and underscored his hope that negotiations could ultimately produce a mutually acceptable settlement.
The meeting highlighted Egypt’s growing diplomatic relevance at a time when the G7 and major international powers are increasingly engaging influential regional partners capable of contributing to conflict resolution, maritime security and economic stability. As crises in Gaza, Sudan and the wider Middle East continue to dominate international agendas, Cairo remains positioned as a central player in efforts to shape political and security outcomes across the region.
As international powers search for credible regional partners capable of facilitating dialogue and de-escalation, Egypt’s diplomatic influence increasingly extends beyond its borders to the centre of many of the region’s most consequential negotiations.
