CAIRO – 10 November 2021: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asserted the new round of Egyptian-US strategic dialogue came up with fruitful outcomes to boost bilateral relations on all fronts.
He added in statements to Egyptian and Arab reporters in his residence in the US capital Washington on Wednesday, that the next round of the dialogue will be held in Cairo in 2023.
Shoukry said that the joint dialogue came to a halt due to some circumstances under the former US administration. However, its resumption now during the first year of the administration of US President Joe Biden shows that the current administration is very much interested in strengthening ties with Egypt, given the fact that the two countries have deeply-rooted relations.
The joint meetings took up a number of important issues, including human rights and military ties, Shoukry said, adding they were characterized by objectivity, comprehensiveness, transparency and understanding, along with stressing the nature of strategic US-Egypt ties in order to achieve joint interests.
The two sides confirmed Egypt was an important partner in achieving mutual interests and balanced goals over the past 40 years.
Shoukry affirmed the US secretary of state said it is important to broaden and deepen cooperation between the two countries in the economic, political and social fields.
The US official referred to the fact that Egypt will play host to an important climate conference, COP27, next year and the US interest in consolidating cooperation with Egypt in this domain, added Shoukry.
Two joint committees for economic cooperation and climate change will be established, Shoukry went on to say.
The Egyptian top diplomat said next year will mark the 100th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the US and Egypt.
The foreign minister said the dialogue was marked by transparency and shared understandings as regards all issues raised for discussion.
GERD
He said the two sides discussed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and the US side reiterated President Biden’s support for Egypt’s water security.
Shoukry pointed out that the Egyptian and US delegations to the joint dialogue called for the resumption of negotiations over an agreement on the GERD under the auspices of the Chairperson of the African Union, in line with the Presidential Statement of the United Nations Security Council of September 15, 2021, and the 2015 Agreement on Declaration of Principles.
He also said that given the current internal conflicts in Ethiopia, it is understood that the government there is focused on the domestic affairs.
Egypt hopes that these troubling conditions will be over and stability will be restored to Ethiopia as well as to Sudan so that the dam file would come on the front burner once again, he added, stressing that Egypt is fully ready to resume talks to reach a binding deal that regulates the filling and operation of the dam in a way that does not harm any of the three countries’ interests.
On Monday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken partook in the opening session of the strategic dialogue between Egypt and the US.
During the session, Shoukry highlighted special relations between the two countries at all levels, calling for continuing work to enhance bilateral cooperation frameworks.
This includes trade, energy, research, development, technology, higher education, cultural exchange, and health care, Shoukry said.
He added that these fields secure horizons and opportunities to deepen relations between Egypt and the US, in accordance with the distinguished relations between the two countries.
The Egyptian minister highlighted the importance of ongoing strategic partnership with the US and the role played by Egyptian-US cooperation to enhance the state’s capabilities to face challenges.
This includes cooperation in combating terrorism and extremist ideology and in supporting Egypt’s relentless efforts to achieve development to the Egyptian people, Shoukry said.
Shoukry also underscored Egypt’s pioneering role as a pillar for stability in the region, affirming the importance of ongoing cooperation with the US to achieve regional security and stability.
During the session, Shoukry also reviewed Egypt’s unwavering efforts to secure the pillars of decent life to Egyptian citizens and to enhance their civilian, political, economic, and social rights, taking into consideration each country’s culture.
He referred to the issuance of the national strategy for human rights in Egypt, which comes as a result of comprehensive social dialogue with the participation of civil society parties.
Shoukry also referenced Egypt’s decision to cancel the state of emergency recently.
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