Blinken will advocate reducing tensions during his trip to Israel, the West Bank and Egypt
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will travel next Sunday to Egypt, Israel and the West Bank to discuss "global and regional priorities" such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Iran and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The department said in a statement Thursday that the trip will run from January 29-31 and that Blinken will first visit Egypt, where he will meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and other officials to advance the strategic partnership with the country in promoting peace and security in the region.
They will discuss, among other issues, "shared support" for elections in Libya and the ongoing political process led by Sudan.
The Secretary will then travel to Jerusalem and Ramallah from 30-31 January. In Israel, he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and other senior officials to discuss "enduring support" from the US for Israel's security, "particularly against threats from Iran".
"The Secretary will also discuss Israel's deepening integration into the region, Israeli-Palestinian relations and the importance of a two-state solution," the statement said.
In the West Bank, the secretary will meet with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and senior officials to discuss Israeli-Palestinian relations and the importance of a two-state solution, political reforms and further strengthening the US relationship with the Palestinians.
"With both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, the Secretary will underscore the urgent need for the parties to take steps to reduce tensions in order to end the cycle of violence that has claimed too many innocent lives," it adds.
He will also discuss the importance of maintaining the historic status quo of the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount in Jerusalem, "in words and in actions".
"The Secretary will engage with civil society throughout the trip to underscore our commitment to human rights, support for civil society and the enduring importance of people-to-people ties," the statement concludes.
