Egyptian president, U.S. Secretary of Defense hold talks on regional, international security

CAIRO – 8 March 2023: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received Wednesday U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at Al Itihadiyah Presidential Palace in the presence of Minister of Defense Mohamed Zaki and US Charge D’Affaire Daniel Rubinstein.

The U.S.-Egypt defense partnership is an essential pillar of our commitment to this region. I’m here to strengthen our coordination on key issues and to pursue opportunities to deepen our long-standing bilateral partnership with Egypt. pic.twitter.com/BCRtammA0d

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 8, 2023

The presidency's press statement indicated that President Sisi affirmed Egypt's keenness on reinforcing the strategic partnership with the United States, and intensifying the existing cooperation and coordination between both countries in various fields, particularly security and defense.

The Egyptian chief of state noted that such collaboration would support the efforts aimed at reinstating security, stability, and peace in the Middle East.

In turn, the U.S. secretary of state valued the Egyptian role in the Middle East as a cornerstone for stability. He also expressed the United States' eagerness for stepping up defense cooperation with Egypt.  

Pleased to visit @PresidentAlSisi and Minister of Defense Zaki in Cairo. The U.S. partnership with Egypt is strong and it demonstrates our shared commitment to regional security and stability. @USEmbassyCairo pic.twitter.com/zmYNODQYJI

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 8, 2023

The two sides conferred over regional and international issues so as the president underscored the salience of accomplishing pacification on Palestinian territories, and halting escalation and unilateral measures.

On that front, President Sisi stipulated that the two-state solution, which is aligned with UNSC resolutions, is the way for achieving peace and stability on the international level.

The meeting also tackled boosting the efforts targeted at international peace and stability in light of the numerous global crises that are taking their toll on all world countries.

Secretary Austin has been to Iraq and Jordan before arriving in Egypt, and will visit Israel on Thursday.