Egypt’s FM discusses bilateral ties, issues of concern with chair of US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee

CAIRO – 14 October 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks on Thursday bilateral cooperation with US democrat Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, who serves as chair of the Senate’s Foreign Relations committee.

According to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Shoukry received Menendez in Cairo, where they discussed cooperation within the framework of the strategic relations between Egypt and the US.

The meeting also discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, the statement read.

The Egyptian foreign minister is also scheduled to meet on Thursday with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen for discussions.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joey Hood said last month the US looks forward to holding a high-level strategic dialogue in the coming months with Egypt.

In TV remarks to 60 Minutes program on Extra News, Hood hailed the US relations with Egypt as strategic, important and have extended for decades.

Hood said Egypt and the US have worked together on issues of security and stability in the region, saying the level of trade representation between the two countries rose during the past years despite the coronavirus pandemic.

In September, Shoukry discussed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

This came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) 76th session.

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.