Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi arrived in Cairo May 30 for talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry. It is the first time in almost 13 years that an Israeli foreign minister has paid an official visit to Egypt. Ashkenazi was accompanied by Ambassador to Egypt Amira Oron, Foreign Ministry Director Alon Ushpiz, Director of the Middle East Division Haim Regev and other Israeli diplomats.

Ashkenazi’s historic visit came after Israel and Hamas agreed last week on a cease-fire, ending 11 days of extensive Gaza rocket fire against Israeli cities and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) retaliation against Hamas targets. Ahead of the meeting, Ashkenazi said, "We will discuss establishing a permanent cease-fire with Hamas, a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with a pivotal role played by the international community. First and foremost, Israel is fully committed to returning our MIA's held by Hamas."

In his last remark, Ashkenazi was referring to Israeli civilians Avraham Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, who crossed the border into the Gaza Strip in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Both men reportedly suffer from mental health issues and are held by Hamas. Hamas is also holding the bodies of IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, killed in the 2014 Gaza war.

After the meeting, Ashkenazi tweeted, “Ending an important official visit to Egypt as a guest of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. We discussed enhancing economic and trade cooperation, including the renewal of direct flights between our countries. Egypt is an important regional ally, committed to security and stability, and the maintenance and expansion of peace in the region. We all need to act to prevent strengthening extremist elements that threaten regional stability, and to ensure the return home of the missing persons and prisoners held by Hamas.”