Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on Monday 19/2/2018 with a delegation of the US Congress led by Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Paul Cook, member of the Subcommittee on Middle East and North Africa. The meeting focused on discussing the various aspects of Egyptian-US relations.

The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Counselor Ahmed Abu Zeid stated that the two sides discussed at length the Egyptian-American relations and ways to support and strengthen them in the various aspects. Minister Shoukry briefed the visiting delegation on the various dimensions of the progress witnessed by the Egyptian society at the political, economic and social levels. He also acquainted the congressmen with the objectives and outcomes of the comprehensive operation Sinai 2018 and the Egyptian army’s efforts and sacrifices in countering terrorism. The Foreign Minister also answered the questions by the congressmen on the security and economic situation in Egypt and the ongoing preparations for the upcoming presidential elections.

For his part, Rep. Ed Royce affirmed that the United States highly values the sacrifices made by Egypt in its war against terrorism and is eager to support Egypt to win this confrontation. He also expressed that he totally understands the challenge facing Egypt in regards to the Nile waters file as the country relies on the Nile as the sole source of fresh water. In this regard, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee inquired about the developments of the GERD file and the role that the United States could play in order to help Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan reach the required understandings. In response, Shoukry articulated in detail Egypt’s assessment with regard to this issue.

Furthermore, Rep. Paul Cook praised the progress and stability in Egypt under the leadership of President al-Sisi and affirmed that the United States is committed to being a strategic ally of Egypt.

Abu Zeid added that the meeting dealt with a number of the Middle East issues. The congressional delegation asked Shoukry about his assessment of the situation in Libya and the developments of the Syrian file. The Foreign Minister explained Egypt’s vision regarding the situation in Libya and means to deal with it, as well as the developments of the Syrian crisis and the priority of dealing with its humanitarian dimension. In this context, he pointed to the importance of bolstering the role of unitary states in the Arab world in order to be able to face the terrorism threat, and to confront the growing role of the unlawful armed militias, and the sectarian and doctrinal strives that constitute nowadays a serious threat to the social structure and societal peace in many countries of the Middle East.

Finally, the meeting reflected the two sides’ mutual keenness on boosting the Egyptian-US relations and their aspiration for coordination and joint action with a view to supporting stability elements, and resolving the rising crises in the Middle East.