Shoukry: Egypt Eyes More Cooperation with US's Upcoming Administration

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Sunday the United States has been one of Egypt's principal partners over the past four or five decades.

Shoukry made his remarks during a joint press conference with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, replying to a question about the future course of relations between Cairo and Washington after Democratic nominee Joe Biden was declared the 46th president of the United States.

Extending his best wishes to the new administration, Shoukry highlighted close cooperation ties between both countries.

The top diplomat added that as soon as Biden's victory was announced, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi congratulated Biden and said that he looked forward to bolstering strategic ties between both countries.

"Cairo always maintained cooperation ties with Democrats and Republicans in the US based on mutual respect and common interests," the foreign minister stressed.

"We will continue working to promote bilateral ties due to their importance in achieving economic growth in Egypt and stabilizing a troubled region," he added.

Meanwhile, the French foreign minister congratulated Biden and vice-president Kamala Harris, voicing his country's willingness to work with the new administration to deal with many files topped by climate change, health-related issues, collective security, and countering terrorism.