Egyptian FM discusses economic, military cooperation with U.S. Senators

CAIRO – 6 December 2023: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry began his visit to Washington by meeting Tuesday members of the Senate in the framework of bolstering bilateral relations and holding consultations on the situation in Gaza as well as other regional and international challenges.

 

Minister Shokry met Senator Chris Coons, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS); Senator Ted Cruz, member of the Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Marco Rubio, vice chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence, senior member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, and member of the Committee on Appropriations and Special Committee on Aging; Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee; and, Senator Lindsey Graham.

In the meetings, the foreign minister stressed Egypt's keenness on the strategic partnership with the United States in light of its ramification and diversity of aspects. The minister noted that Egypt had good relations with both parties, adding that joint work is crucial to achieve peace in the Middle East.  

The talks tackled economic and military cooperation so as the minister highlighted that the value of trade exchange between the two countries had risen since the launch of the U.S.-Egypt Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in May. He added that Egypt looked forward to further collaboration in climate, investment, and renewable energy, and to hosting a major economic forum in 2024.

Regarding the Gaza crisis, Minister Shokry underscored the salience of an immediate ceasefire, protection of Palestinian civilians, and regular delivery of humanitarian aid. He further reasserted Egypt's stance rejecting all forms of external displacement of Palestinians, and support to the U.S. administration's statements against the liquidation of the Palestinian Cause and further escalation that risks the expansion of the conflict.