USA and Egypt | Commitment for stability in the Middle East after the end of the strategic dialogue

Defence Redefined

10/11/2021

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry led the strategic US-Egypt dialogue on November 8-9, 2021, in Washington, following a joint statement. 

The two countries stressed the importance of holding elections in Libya on December 24th, reaffirming, among other things, their commitment to bilateral defence cooperation to meet challenges, including in the field of counterterrorism and border security.

The United States and Egypt have reportedly reaffirmed their firm commitment to the national security of both countries and the stability of the Middle East. Egypt praised the US role in Egypt’s economic development and defence procurement as well as the joint cooperation to strengthen Egypt’s defence capabilities.

According to the joint statement, the United States expressed its appreciation for Egypt’s leadership in mediating solutions to regional conflicts, in particular with regard to promoting peace and ending violence in Gaza. Regarding the “Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam”, known as GERD, the United States reiterated President Biden’s support for Egypt’s water security.

The United States and Egypt have called for the resumption of negotiations on an agreement on GERD under the auspices of the President of the African Union, in accordance with the Presidential Declaration of the United Nations Security Council of September 15, 2021, and the 2015 Agreement on Declaration of the Authorities. They also stressed the importance of holding elections in Libya on December 24 and supported the action plan of the Libyan Joint Military Commission to remove all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries. The two Ministers also discussed Sudan and the resolution of regional conflicts and humanitarian crises in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen and agreed to continue high-level consultations on the Middle East and Africa.

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The two delegations reaffirmed their joint commitment to expanding and deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as to working closely together on climate change issues. They shared ideas on increasing investment in their respective economies, providing more opportunities for their people and combating the climate crisis. The United States has welcomed Egypt’s bid by the African Union to host COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh and to take the lead as the upcoming COP27 presidency in promoting global climate goals.

Further, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral defence cooperation to address current and future challenges, including in the field of counterterrorism and border and maritime security. Based on the successful completion of the 32nd US-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee and the multinational Bright Star 2021 exercise, Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to active participation in the Combined Maritime Forces.

The United States has highlighted the importance of Egypt’s recent $ 1 billion national contract for the refurbishment of Egyptian Apache helicopters, supporting hundreds of jobs in the United States and boosting Egypt’s readiness. The United States and Egypt have committed to discussing best practices for reducing damage in military operations. Both sides also cited the recent State Cooperation Program between Egypt and the Texas National Guard as an opportunity to increase cooperation. Both sides also noted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral logistics support.

Source: CNA

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