Telephone conversation between Secretary of State Blinken and Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry
SPEAKER’S OFFICE
MAY 9, 2024
The following is attributable to speaker Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The minister expressed gratitude for Egypt’s continued efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire that ensures the release of the hostages and discussed further diplomacy with Foreign Minister Shoukry to prevent the conflict from escalating. Secretary Blinken reiterated President Biden’s clear position that the United States does not support a major military operation in Rafah and the United States’ opposition to a forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza. The minister also expressed the United States’ support for the reopening of the Rafah border crossing and the continued flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.
