Blinken welcomes reactivation of presidential pardon committee, says Egypt plays key role calming situation in Palestine

CAIRO – 30 January 2023: The United States secretary of state Antony Blinken thanked Egypt, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during a joint press conference held on Monday in Cairo, for the friendship that lasted over the years between the two countries, expressing his appreciation for the meetings and discussions held with the Egyptian leadership.

Blinken also expressed the U.S. appreciation to the Egyptian leadership for its efforts in hosting the Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh last November.

“Perhaps the climate crisis confirms the need for a reaching quick diplomatic solution for the Renaissance Dam, which represents an 'existential matter' for Egypt, as the Egyptian leadership has made clear to us, and in this context, we support any solution that achieves the interests of all parties” Blinken said.

He added that Egypt has played a key role in easing violence and tension between Israelis and Palestinians, including the truce reached in 2021 and during the past year.

The American official described the current escalation as a ‘frightening one’, adding that he discussed with Egypt solutions to calm the situation.

“I also discussed with Minister Shoukry developments in Libya, and we support all efforts of the UN representative to hold quick elections. We also support the political process in Sudan, which depends on the existence of a government that supports all the efforts of the people and meet their aspirations” Blinken said during the conference.

Blinken welcomed the reactivation of the presidential pardon committee and the launch of the national dialogue and the release of a number of political prisoners.

He also highlighted that Egypt is one of the largest importer of wheat in the world, most of which comes from Russia and Ukraine, therefore, “i announce an investment of $50 million to support the Egyptian agricultural sector.”

Blinken arrived in Cairo on Sunday in a two-day visit during which he will meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and senior Egyptian officials to advance the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership and promote peace and security in the region, including through shared support for elections in Libya and the ongoing Sudanese-led political process, said the US embassy in Cairo said in a statement.