Egypt’s FM, Blinken discuss bilateral relations, international issues

CAIRO – 23 September 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed on Wednesday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The ministers met in New York on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry read.

During the meeting, Shoukry and Blinken agreed on the importance to work on the good preparation of the next round of strategic dialogue between Egypt and the US in the near future.

The meeting reflected the importance of coordination and consultation between Egypt and the US during the coming period to continue advancing joint cooperation fields in priority sectors, the statement said.

The meeting also underlined the importance of working to remove any obstacles that may hinder the two countries’ aspiration to push their strong relations toward new horizons.

Shoukry and Blinken discussed the most prominent political, security and economic aspects of bilateral relations within the framework of the strong, historical and complex relations between Egypt and the US.

This comes in a way that achieves the common goals and interests of the two friendly countries and peoples, the ministry added.

According to US Department Spokesperson Ned Price, Shoukry’s meeting with Blinken also discussed Israeli-Palestinian relations, diplomatic efforts on Libya, and the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum.

The discussions also included “our mutual desire for results-oriented negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam under the auspices of the African Union,” Price said.

The ministers also discussed their countries’ keenness to strengthen and deepen their partnership, Price added.

Blinken made an official visit to Egypt late in May, during which he met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

His visit to Egypt came a week after Israel and the Gaza factions started a ceasefire proposed by Egypt, halting Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire that killed 254 people including women and children in 11 days.

During their May meeting in Cairo, Sisi and Blinken tackled the updates on the Palestinian cause and ways of reviving the peace process.

The president said recent developments mandate urgent activation of direct negotiations between both sides backed by an effective involvement of the US.

Sisi added that Egypt is eager to cooperate with the United States on that matter asserting that the solution must be fair and comprehensive so it would preserve the rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international references.

Both sides agreed on bolstering coordination and consultation on stabilizing the ceasefire and launching reconstruction in Gaza Strip.