Egypt’s FM heads to Washington to discuss int’l issues, meet Blinken

CAIRO – 11 April 2022: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is heading on Monday to Washington in an official visit to discuss with the US officials the regional and international issues of mutual concern.

During the visit, Shoukry is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a number of US administration officials, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Shoukry’s visit to the US comes “within the framework of intensifying communication and coordination between the two friendly countries,” the ministry said.

This is in addition to “continuing to strengthen all frameworks of distinguished strategic relations between them and exchanging visions on the most prominent regional and international issues of common concern,” the ministry added.

During his visit, Shoukry will also hold meetings with a number of members of the US Chamber of Commerce and think tanks in the US, according to the statement.

Shoukry visited Washington last November, during which he participated along with Blinken in the strategic dialogue between Egypt and the US, the first since 2015.

During the dialogue session, Shoukry highlighted special relations between the two countries at all levels, calling for continuing work to enhance bilateral cooperation frameworks.

This includes trade, energy, research, development, technology, higher education, cultural exchange, and health care, Shoukry said.

He added that these fields secure horizons and opportunities to deepen relations between Egypt and the US, in accordance with the distinguished relations between the two countries.

The Egyptian minister highlighted the importance of ongoing strategic partnership with the US and the role played by Egyptian-US cooperation to enhance the state’s capabilities to face challenges.

This includes cooperation in combating terrorism and extremist ideology and in supporting Egypt’s relentless efforts to achieve development to the Egyptian people, Shoukry said.

Shoukry also underscored Egypt’s pioneering role as a pillar for stability in the region, affirming the importance of ongoing cooperation with the US to achieve regional security and stability.

During the session, Shoukry also reviewed Egypt’s unwavering efforts to secure the pillars of decent life to Egyptian citizens and to enhance their civilian, political, economic, and social rights, taking into consideration each country’s culture.

He referred to the issuance of the national strategy for human rights in Egypt, which comes as a result of comprehensive social dialogue with the participation of civil society parties.

Shoukry also referenced Egypt’s decision to cancel the state of emergency recently.