All about US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue

US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry led the US-Egypt strategic dialogue November 8-9, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

According to a statement published by the US Department of State, the two sides referred to the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and the United States in 2022 and reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnership between the two countries, and identified areas where bilateral and regional cooperation could be deepened, including economic, trade, educational, cultural, consular, human rights, justice, law enforcement, defence and security.

The parties also agreed on the importance of holding this dialogue periodically. The United States and Egypt reaffirmed their firm commitment to the national security of the two countries and to the stability of the Middle East. Egypt praised the US role in Egypt’s economic development, its supply of defense equipment and joint cooperation to strengthen Egypt’s defense capabilities.

The United States appreciated Egypt’s leadership in mediating solutions to regional conflicts, particularly to promote peace and end violence in Gaza. As for the Ethiopian Renaissance, the United States renewed President Biden’s support for Egypt’s water security.

The United States and Egypt called for the resumption of negotiations to reach an agreement on the Renaissance Dam under the auspices of the President of the African Union, in line with the US Security Council’s September 15, 2021 presidential statement and the 2015 Declaration of Principles agreement.

The United States and Egypt stressed the importance of holding elections in Libya December 24th, and expressed support for Libya’s Joint Military Commission (5+5) action plan to remove all foreign troops, fighters and mercenaries from the country.

US and Egyptian counterparts also discussed Sudan, regional dispute resolution and humanitarian crises in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, and agreed to continue high-level consultations on African and Middle Eastern issues.

The two sides held a constructive dialogue on human rights and fundamental freedoms, including civil and political rights, freedom of expression, combating racism, women’s empowerment and economic, social and cultural rights. The dialogue also addressed the issue of human rights in multilateral forums. Egypt welcomed the election of the United States to the UN Human Rights Council.

The United States welcomed Egypt’s national human rights strategy and national plans to promote human rights in the country in cooperation with civil society. The two sides agreed to continue the dialogue on the subject of human rights.

The two delegations reaffirmed their common commitment to expanding and deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation and to cooperate closely on climate issues. Participants exchanged ideas on increasing investment in their economies, providing more opportunities for their people and combating the climate crisis.

The United States welcomed Egypt’s candidacy by the African Union to host the 27th UN climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh and provide leadership as president to promote international climate ambitions. The United States praised Egypt’s progress in developing green energy and its determination to pursue ambitious climate goals.

The United States and Egypt announced the launch of a high-level joint economic committee and the formation of a joint working group between the two countries on climate, as well as plans for a green economy trade mission and a new trade reform program from the United States Agency for International Development. The two sides expressed their intention to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Egyptian Ministry of Finance.

The United States and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral defense cooperation to meet current and future challenges, including in the fight against terrorism and border and maritime security. Based on the successful completion of the 32nd session of the US-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee and the 2021 Multinational Shining Star Exercises, Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to active participation in the Joint Navy.

The United States noted the importance of Egypt’s recent $1 billion nationally funded contract to renovate Egyptian Apache helicopters, support hundreds of US jobs and increase Egyptian readiness. The United States and Egypt expressed their commitment to discuss best practices to reduce civilian damage in military operations, and both sides referred to the recent State Partnership program between Egypt and the Texas National Guard as an opportunity to increase cooperation.

The two sides noted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Acquisition and Joint Services, which gives flexibility to bilateral logistical support. Both sides stressed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and consular cooperation.

Egypt and the United States have announced their intention to strengthen judicial cooperation and law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border crime by exchanging evidence and information used to investigate and prosecute such crimes as appropriate and in accordance with international legal standards.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at facilitating and strengthening rapid cooperation under the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which came into force on 29 November 2001. The two sides also agreed to further strengthen their educational and cultural cooperation.

In this regard, participants discussed expanding people-to-people relations through educational, cultural, scientific and environmental exchanges and cooperation in programs such as Fulbright, the International Visitor Leaders Program and US speaker programs. In addition, the two sides stressed the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage through the framework of the US-Egypt Cultural Property Agreement.

The two delegations reaffirmed their commitment to scientific cooperation through the United States-Egypt Joint Fund for Science and Technology, which was strengthened through the recent renewal of the Science and Technology Agreement between the two countries.

The United States and Egypt expressed their commitment to sign an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding, which promotes the protection of cultural property and to begin discussions for a relevant action plan.