Thomas H. Goldberger, Charge’ d’Affaires at the US embassy in Cairo said that water security is very essential for Egypt, as it depends entirely on the Nile water. “The Nile is extremely important for Egyptians, farmers as well as industry.”
Concerning Renaissance Dam, Goldberger said that the US understands Ethiopia’s need to develop itself economically. “Ethiopia is a poor country," he said.
In the same context, the US diplomat confirmed that Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia should find a formula for sustainably sharing the Nile water, without negatively affecting the Nile basin countries, especially Egypt.
Moreover, he stressed that the US role is to encourage the three countries to find this formula.
Egypt As a Regional Gas Hub
In a round table interview with a number of Egyptian reporters, the American official stressed that US strongly supports Egypt's status as a regional gas hub.“Egypt has found many natural resources in the Mediterranean, the desert, and lately in the Red Sea, which is opened now for exploration,” he said.
“Egypt now enjoys a lot of potentials for natural gas production, and is expected to become a gas exporter,” Goldberger added. “The region countries will need to collect gas resources in a hub such as Egypt, to be exported to Europe.”
In addition, he praised the Eastern-Mediterranean Gas forum set to be hosted in Cairo on July 29.
US-North Korea Relations
The Charge’ said that Trump administration has adopted a different approach in dealing with North Korea nuclear weapons problem, and its threatening behaviour towards neighbouring countries.
“The US is applying maximum pressure on North Korea in form of sanctions, yet at the same time it keeps the door open for dialogue to develop satisfied solutions that would meet the needs of North Korea in economic development and growth,” he said.
Moreover, Goldberger added that the last encounter between US president Donald Trump and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un is a signal of openness.
US-China Relations
‘China is a very important country for the US economy,” the American official noted. “China, which is still a communist county, tends to take advantages of other countries especially those needy ones.”
“We encourage countries to be very wary of China and its intentions,” the Charge’ said.
US-Qatar Relations
Goldberger said that Washington has not changed its policy towards Qatar.
“Qatar has already taken steps to stop terrorism funding,” he said. “Yet, it should take more steps.”
“We respect Qatar not because of money as the US has enough energy products and does not need to import from abroad,” the American official explained. “We discussed with Qatar many issues relating to Iran threats, and Arab NATO”
Moreover, the diplomat added that the US has urged Qatar to change its behaviour and to work with its neighbouring countries to face the Iranian threats.
Regarding the latest propaganda campaign via different American media outlets ahead of Qatari Emir's visit to Washington, Goldberger said that there are many lobbies in the US working in a framework of legal guidelines, a matter which has nothing to do with the American policy.
Jonathan R.Cohen…New U.S Ambassador to Egypt
The position of US ambassador to Egypt has been vacant since July 2017 when the former ambassador Robert S. Beecroft left the post.
“US President Donald Trump’s administration has nominated acting permanent representative of the US to the United Nations (UN) Jonathan R. Cohen to be as the US ambassador to Egypt,” Goldberger revealed
“The nomination of Cohen was already sent to the Senate for voting,” he added. “He will take over his duties in Cairo very soon.”
Future Cooperation Between Egypt-US
The diplomat confirmed that there are many promising cooperation opportunities between Egypt and The US especially in energy, information technology (IT), health, and infrastructure development sectors.
“Many American universities are seeking to open new branches in Egypt,” he added.
Egypt-US Customs' Exchange Agreement
Goldberger said that the US is negotiating with Egypt nowadays over signing custom mutual exchange agreement.
“This agreement aims at creating greater cooperation between customs agencies and facilitating trade procedures between the two countries,” he added.
Rumors About Sinai Are Baseless
The American official confirmed that all rumours spread lately about Egypt giving up land in Sinai for a Gaza expansion are baseless. “These rumours have been refuted many times by many American officials.”
“Moreover, no projects would be established in Sinai or Egypt for the benefit of Palestinians,” he continued.
“The list of projects discussed during, US-led economic conference hosted in Bahrain, to be established in Egypt would only benefit Egyptians,” Goldberger said.
He went on to say that Bahrain conference was successful.
“The Palestinians are losers as they refused to attend the forum,” he said. “It opened eyes and minds on what regional countries would reap if peace is achieved.”
Japanese Mediation between US and Iran
Goldberger denied Japan being a mediator between The US and Iran over nuclear weapons problem, noting "Japan has its own issues with Iran."
“President Trump has said very clearly that he wants to have direct negotiations with Iran over nuclear weapons.”
US Charge’ D’affairs Impression about Egypt and Egyptians
Goldberger said that he has been in Egypt for 5 years noting," It was a great experience."
“I have learned a lot about Egypt and from the Egyptians,” he said. “There is no substitute for dealing directly with Egyptians, it changes your ideas about many things.”
“Thus, many American officials change their perspective and views when they come to Egypt and meet with Egyptian officials,” he noted.
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