Egyptian president meets with U.S. Secretary of Defense at Pentagon

CAIRO – 15 December 2022: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon, expressing eagerness for reinforcing Egypt's strategic partnership with the United States, particularly in the realms of defense and security, in light of the exceptional circumstances experienced by the region and the world.

In that context, the two parties agreed on pushing forward the joint military relations, given they are the pillar of the U.S.-Egypt ties, and are essential to fulfill their duties pertaining to reinstating security and stability in the Middle East, according to the presidency's press statement.

On his side, the secretary of state said that the United States would continue to work with Egypt and neighboring states "to strengthen interoperability, integrated air and missile defense and maritime security" necessary to defend the people and territory, the Pentagon indicated in a statement.

Austin also commended Egypt for its cooperation with the United States to achieve shared security objectives, and for its role in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.

 

The president wrote a word in the Pentagon's guestbook that reads: "It has been a joy to me to visit the Pentagon, the establishment that represents one of the most reputable military institutions worldwide. I am also delighted to meet Mr. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of State. On that occasion, and as President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, I affirm my keenness on deepening the distinguished historic ties between Egypt and the United States in a way that serves the interests of the Egyptian and American peoples. I aspire that my current visit would be a new step on the way of consolidating the ties that have always combined our countries, and of reinforcing bilateral cooperation in all fields, fulfilling the interests of our peoples and states. I ultimately thank you for the warm welcome. My sincere wishes to our friend, the United States, of all well-being, peace, progress, more development and prosperity."