FM Shoukry meets with Pompeo, discusses boosting relations

CAIRO – 27 March 2019: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Tuesday with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the U.S. State Department office.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting discussed boosting mutual cooperation and strategic relations between the two countries, as well as some issues of mutual concerns like the Palestinian case and the U.S. recognition of the Golan Heights as an Israeli land.

Concluding the first day of his current visit, Foreign Minister #Sameh_Shoukry conducts talks with his American counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo@SecPompeo @StateDept pic.twitter.com/a6J2SgAavT

— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) March 26, 2019

“We take the opportunity today to celebrate the progress we have made and to emphasize our unwavering dedication to pursuing a more comprehensive peace in the region that respects the dignity and security of all involved,” Pompeo said in a statement.

In regards to the U.S. recognition of the Golan Heights as an Israeli land, Shoukry said, “Egypt's stance is consistent towards the Golan Heights, which are considered an occupied Arab land under international legitimacy resolutions.”

The statement reported that the two sides reiterated keenness on boosting cooperation in different domains for the interest of both countries.

They also agreed on intensifying political consultations and exchanging bilateral visits within the coming period.

On January, Pompeo met with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi at the presidential palace in Cairo.

I had a productive meeting with @AlsisiOfficial in Cairo today. The U.S. stands firmly with #Egypt in its commitments to protecting #religiousfreedom and in the fight against terrorism that threatens all of our friends in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/6PFa1cZUya

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 10, 2019

Pompeo embarked on an eight-country tour starting with Jordan. The tour is expected to focus on Syria, Iran and Yemen as well as US bilateral relations with Arab countries. His tour also includes Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "the US-Egypt relationship is one of our deepest and broadest partnerships in the region."

Pompeo tweeted that it is "wonderful to be in Cairo", adding that he is looking forward to a good visit.

Wonderful to be in Cairo. The U.S.-#Egypt relationship is one of our deepest and broadest partnerships in the region, and I look forward to a good visit. Thanks to @USAmbEgypt for the warm welcome. pic.twitter.com/wCekNhfppu

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 10, 2019

Pompeo also held talks with Shoukry where they started a session of talks.

The meeting was set to tackle means to boost Egyptian-US ties in the different domains along with regional and international files of mutual interest including the Palestinian cause, the situation in Syria, Yemen and Libya and means of combating terror.