Libya, the GERD dispute, the Israel-Palestine peace process, and human rights were all on the agenda yesterday during talks in Cairo between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Regional issues: The two discussed the dispute with Ethiopia over the GERD, with El Sisi reiterating calls for more international engagement and Sullivan affirming the US’ commitment to Egypt’s water security, according to an Ittihadiya readout. On the Israel-Palestine peace process, Sullivan expressed the US’ appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel earlier this year and the two talked about pathways to revive negotiations between the two sides. The pair also agreed to step up international efforts on the upcoming Libyan elections.

Human rights: The two sides also discussed making "tangible and lasting improvements" to Egypt’s human rights record, Reuters reports, citing a senior US official. The Biden administration earlier this month said it would suspend USD 130 mn Egypt’s annual military aid until Egypt met several conditions regarding rights, which the official said Sullivan discussed with El Sisi yesterday.