The Representative of Sri Lanka to the State of Palestine, H.E. Ambassador Farook Mohamed Fawzer, paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Palestine, H.E. Ihab Soliman, in Ramallah.
At the outset, Ambassador Fawzer conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of the President, the Government, and the people of Sri Lanka to H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Government, and the brotherly people of Egypt. He noted that paying an early visit to the Egyptian Mission was a priority, in recognition of Egypt's longstanding leadership in regional diplomacy and its historic and unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
The two Ambassadors reflected on the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Egypt, recalling that Egypt became the first Arab and African nation to establish resident diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka in October 1957, following the Suez Crisis. They also highlighted the shared legacy of the two countries as founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, inspired by the leadership of President Gamal Abdel Nasser and Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, as well as the enduring symbols of friendship reflected in Sri Lanka Street in Zamalek and Orabi Pasha Street in Colombo.
Ambassador Fawzer commended Egypt's pivotal political, diplomatic, and humanitarian role under the leadership of President El-Sisi, particularly its sustained mediation efforts, commitment to securing a ceasefire, and the vital humanitarian assistance facilitated through the Rafah crossing and the Egyptian Red Crescent. He also reaffirmed Sri Lanka's consistent and principled support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on current regional developments and their implications for the Palestinian question. Ambassador Soliman outlined Egypt's ongoing diplomatic engagement to advance peace, support Palestinian self-determination, and contribute to the future recovery and reconstruction of Gaza and the West Bank. Both sides also explored practical avenues for closer cooperation between their missions in Ramallah, including humanitarian initiatives, institutional capacity-building, and promoting Global South solidarity.
As Ambassador Ihab Soliman prepares to conclude his distinguished tenure in Palestine to assume his new responsibilities as Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, Ambassador Fawzer expressed his sincere appreciation for Ambassador Soliman's dedicated service, congratulated him on his well-deserved appointment, and reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to working closely with Egypt in support of peace, justice, stability, and the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.