Egypt, US perspectives broadly coincides on many regional, international issues: FM Shoukry

CAIRO – 30 January 2023: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held a joint press conference on Monday with his American counterpart Anthony Blinken, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo.

Shoukry started his speech saying that during meeting with US secretary Blinken, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, and they confirm ‘full compatibility between the visions of the two states regarding regional and international issues’

Minster Shoukry added that: “We are counting on cooperating with the United States to achieve stability in the Middle East in accordance with the principles of international legitimacy and the common interests between the two countries.”

“The Palestinian developments were strongly present in our discussions and the importance of achieving stability to prevent any kind of escalation and to find a permanent solution based on the principle of the two-state solution” Shoukry said.

He noted that: “We also discussed the Renaissance Dam developments and the importance of continuing joint work to preserve the interests of the three parties [Egypt-Sudan- Ethiopia] in accordance with international law and the legitimate rights of preserving the Egyptian water security.”

The meeting also included discussing the situations in Libya and Sudan along with efforts to confront terrorism and extremism, according to the Egyptian official.

He stated that Egypt is working with the US to hold the joint economic committee this year as part of the celebration of the 'centenary of relations' between the two countries, especially in light of the economic challenges facing developing countries, including Egypt, as a result of international developments.

Blinken arrived in Cairo on Sunday in a two-day visit during which he will meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and senior Egyptian officials to advance the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership and promote peace and security in the region, including through shared support for elections in Libya and the ongoing Sudanese-led political process, said the US embassy in Cairo said in a statement.