Shoukri, congressmen talk regional crises, counter-terrorism strategy

CAIRO - 28 March 2019: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri met on Wednesday with U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey, and Lindsey Graham, chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary during his visit to Washington to meet with his US counterpart and senior officials.

Shoukri also met with Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart.

During the meeting, Shoukri and the congressmen discussed the strategic importance of the relations between Egypt and the U.S. The discussions also affirmed the need to continue aiding Egypt to enable the North African country to overcome security, political, economic and social challenges in a way that meets the strategic interests of the two countries concerning achieving security and stability, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

Shoukri stressed that Egypt is witnessing much development at various levels including the economic field. He pointed out to the development witnessed by the energy sector in Egypt, which qualifies the country to become a regional center for trading gas in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The congressmen listened to Shoukri while explaining the nature of the various crises in the Middle East, according to the spokesman.The Egyptian minister also explained the country's pivotal role in promoting stability in the region and assisting in finding political solutions to the regional crises.


Sameh Shoukri (R), Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (L) - Press photo


Sameh Shoukri (R), U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (L) - Press photo


Sameh Shoukri (R), Lindsey Graham, Chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary - Press photo

Shoukri also met on the same day with Idaho Republican Senator James Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senator Bob Menendez; Senator Ron Johnson, Homeland Security chairman; Congressman Hal Rogers; and Congressman Mac Thornberry.

Shoukri affirmed his keenness to continue communicating with the members of Congress in order to view the positive developments Egypt witnesses in the political, economic and social fields in light of the important role played by the Congress in planning the cooperation frameworks between the two countries.

The foreign minister said that the US aid program for Egypt is of particular importance and reflects the depth of the bilateral relations that have brought together the two countries for decades. He added that the U.S. aid achieves interests of both sides equally, the ministry's spokesman said.

The meetings also discussed the developments in the situation in a number of countries in the region, including Libya, Syria and Yemen.

Shoukri stressed the importance of reaching political solutions to these crises, which would preserve these countries' national institutions. He warned of the collapse of the national countries in the region, saying that it would lead to the spread and expansion of terrorist groups.

He also called for cooperation between international parties to develop a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy that would address cultural, economic and social aspects,and would not be only limited to the military and security ways.


Sameh Shoukri (R), Congressman Hal Rogers (L) - Press photo


Sameh Shoukri (R), Congressman Mac Thornberry - Press photo


Sameh Shoukri (R), Senator Ron Johnson, Homeland Security Chairman - Press photo