US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Secretary will visit Cairo where he will meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and senior Egyptian officials to advance the US-Egypt strategic partnership and promote peace and security in the region. 

In Israel, Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, and other senior leaders to discuss the enduring US support for Israel’s security. He will also discuss Israel’s deepening integration into the region. In the West Bank, he will meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Blinken will underscore the urgent need for the parties to take steps to deescalate tensions in order to put an end to the cycle of violence. He also will discuss the importance of a two-state solution and upholding the historic status quo of the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount in Jerusalem.