US allocates $6M to support livelihood of North Sinai, rural citizens

CAIRO – 16 December 2019: The United States, represented in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Egypt have an amendment to the bilateral aid agreement worth $6 million that demonstrates continued support from the American people for joint U.S.-Egypt priorities.

According to a statement issued by the US embassy, the agreement aims at increasing educational opportunities and strengthening the livelihoods of the people of North Sinai.

“The amendment to the North Sinai bilateral aid agreement supports the Egyptian Government’s efforts to spur inclusive economic development in the governorate,” read the statement, adding that through this agreement, the USAID will build on previous investments in North Sinai, including the provision of potable water to 300,000 residents and wastewater services to 100,000 residents.

Dedicated to enhancing the living conditions of the people, the agreement will also provide viral activities for rural communities, including the access to transportation, and economic livelihood programming for families.

"This agreement reflects our strong and enduring partnership with the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation and the U.S. Government’s commitment to the people of Egypt, especially for critical economic development efforts in the Sinai,” U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Cohen stated.

This latest support for Egypt’s priorities in North Sinai is part of the four-decade partnership between the American and Egyptian peoples, to bolster self-reliance, foster stability, promote economic growth, and reduce poverty. USAID's program in Egypt, totaling over $30 billion since 1978, promotes a healthy, educated, and employed population.