Egypt and the US strengthen military and counter-terrorism cooperation

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US Defense Secretary James Mattis discussed on December 2 in Cairo measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in the military field, counter-terrorism and restoring stability in the Middle East.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (right) and US Secretary of Defense James Mattis. (Source: nileinternational.net)

In a statement, Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady said that during the meeting, Mr. El-Sisi highlighted the importance of the US-Egypt strategic relationship, emphasizing the continued strengthening of cooperation between the two countries in many fields, especially military.

US Defense Secretary Mattis said that the US appreciates Egypt's role and position as a key pillar of stability in the Middle East, and expressed support for the Pyramid country in the fight against terrorism.

Mr. Mattis also sent condolences to the relatives of the families affected by the terrorist attack on Al-Rawda Mosque in North Sinai province that killed 311 people, including 27 children.

According to the Egyptian Presidency, Mr. El-Sisi and Mr. Mattis also discussed regional and international challenges. President El-Sisi reiterated his call for the international community to unite and intensify efforts to eradicate terrorism and help reach political solutions to various conflicts in the region in a way that protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries.

The meeting was attended by Egyptian Defense Minister Sedky Sobhi and top US military officials. Earlier on December 2, Mr. Sobhi also held talks with Mr. Mattis to discuss the latest regional and international developments.
However, the meeting between US and Egyptian officials did not mention the Washington administration's partial cut in annual aid to Cairo.

Since 1979, after the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel was signed, Washington has provided foreign aid to Cairo, including military assistance. Every year, Egypt receives nearly $1.3 billion in US military aid and about $250 million in economic assistance.

In August, the US said it would withhold part of its annual aid package to Cairo, about $195 million, until it “sees progress toward democracy” in Egypt.

Egypt said the move was "incompatible with the strategic relationship between the two allies" and that the cuts could have "negative consequences" for the common interests of both sides.

Egypt is the first stop on a five-day tour of the Middle East and Pakistan by the US Defense Secretary. After Cairo, Mr. Mattis will travel to Jordan on December 3 to attend a conference on countering extremism in West Africa attended by representatives from many African and European countries.

Secretary Mattis will travel to Pakistan on December 4 before traveling to Kuwait on December 5./.

According to Vietnam+