Presidents Lula da Silva (L) and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R), Nov. 18, 2024. X/ @portalcamaquars

Rio de Janeiro, November 18 (RHC)-- The Rio de Janeiro Summit brings together the heads of state of the world’s largest economies.  On Monday, Presidents Lula da Silva (Brazil) and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (Egypt) emphasized their shared opposition to “any attempt to undermine the Palestinian cause” and reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution as the only resolution to the Middle East conflict.

This statement was made on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Ahmed Fahmy, spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency, informed that Lula and al-Sisi held a bilateral meeting to discuss Middle Eastern issues.

During the meeting, they stressed “the imperative of implementing the two-state solution and expanding international recognition of the State of Palestine.” Lula and al-Sisi acknowledged the efforts of both governments to seek stability in the Middle East and achieve an “immediate ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip. They also praised each other’s positions in support of the Palestinian people.

The Egyptian president thanked Lula for inviting Egypt to the G20 meeting, “a gesture that reflects Brazil’s appreciation for Egypt’s influence in the Middle East and Africa.”   Al-Sisi also highlighted Brazil’s commitment to including “the priorities of developing countries in the summit’s agenda,” particularly through the launch of the “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty” in light of “the growing geopolitical, economic, and social challenges worldwide.”

Following the meeting, the two leaders signed a joint declaration to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership “aimed at meeting the aspirations and interests of two friendly peoples.”

On Monday and Tuesday, the 19th G20 Summit is bringing together the heads of state of the world’s largest economies.  This year’s edition focuses on topics such as energy transition, food security, and digital transformation.

Established in 1999, the G20 includes the G8 countries (Germany, Canada, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and Russia), along with the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey. Spain and Egypt are participating as invited nations.

[SOURCE: teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) ]