Shoukry, Pompeo discuss bilateral cooperation in Washington

CAIRO - 9 August 2018: Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with his American counterpart Mike Pompeo the bilateral relations between the two countries in Washington Sunday, where the two ministers agreed on holding the 2+2 meeting on the level of defense and foreign ministers as soon as possible.

At the State Department Headquarter in Washington, Shoukry reviewed the political and economic developments in Egypt, and the features of the economic reform program. He also tackled Egypt’s efforts to counter terrorism, in the light of the successful military campaign of Sinai 2018, spokesperson of Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said in official statement released Sunday.

From his side, Pompeo asserted that Egypt is a strategic partner of the U.S. in the Middle East, confirming the keenness of the current U.S. administration on enhancing relations with Egypt. The Secretary of State also affirmed the U.S. commitment to back Egypt politically and economically through the cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, including U.S. aid program with its military and economic parts, which strengthen Egypt’s stability.


U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry before their meeting at the State Department in Washington, U.S., August 8, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

Talks between Shoukry and Pompeo addressed the situation in Syria, focusing on the importance of supporting the Syrians’ right to decide their fate and protect their unity, the independence of their territories, according to Abu Zeid, revealing that Shoukry asserted the necessity of the political solution to the Syrian crisis.

The meeting also addressed the Palestinian cause, where Shoukry referred to the necessity to resume negotiations on peace process, Abu Zeid said, adding that Pompeo praised Egypt’s role in achieving reconciliation between Palestinian factions and easing the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza Strip.

Shoukry reviewed Egypt’s efforts to bridge the gap between Libyan parties and helping to unify the Libyan military institution, in a way enable it to accomplish its mission in counter terrorism and restore stability.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shakes hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry before their meeting at the State Department in Washington, U.S., August 8, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

The foreign minister departed Monday to the United States where he met with Pompeo, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, and members of the American Chamber of Commerce.

The talks covered issues and challenges pertinent to the region’s stability and security as well as outlining the timetable for strategic discussions by the defense and foreign ministers of both countries.

The two-day visit is in preparation for President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi's upcoming visit to the U.S.

Regional security, development on top of Egyptian-US talks

CAIRO - 7 August 2018: Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry departed Monday to the United States where he is set to meet his American counterpart Mike Pompeo, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, and members of the American Chamber of Commerce.