Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly in New York on Monday evening.
The two Middle Eastern leaders met for 90 minutes and appeared jovial as they discussed regional issues, according to The Jerusalem Post. Photos of the men laughing and smiling together were published by Israeli media and online.
Both leaders were attending the UN General Assembly and met at the Palace Hotel, where Sisi is staying during the conference.
According to a statement issued by Netanyahu's office, Sisi expressed his willingness "to assist efforts to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians and the region."
The meeting comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced optimism about efforts to reconcile Palestinians and Israelis.
"It would be a fantastic achievement. We are giving it an absolute go. I think there's a good chance it could happen. Most people would say that there is no chance whatsoever. I think with the capability of Bibi - and frankly, the other side - I really think we have a chance. I think Israel would like to see it. I think the Palestinians would like to see it. And I can tell you that the Trump Administration would like to see it," Trump said following a meeting with Netanyahu earlier on Monday, according to media reports.
"Historically people say it can't happen - I say it can happen," the U.S. >president said.
Although most Arab countries have historically taken a stance against Israel and anti-Israel sentiments are widespread among Arab populations, Egypt has maintained more positive relations with Israel for decades.
Egypt was suspended from the Arab League – which it was instrumental in founding – in 1979 due to the 1978 Camp David Peace Accords brokered by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
Ten years later, In 1989, Egypt was readmitted to the Arab League.