Cairo and Washington are holding talks to boost bilateral ties and discuss regional and international developments.
"Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken will meet with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri and his team in Washington, D.C., November 8-9 to participate in the US-Egypt strategic dialogue,” according to the US State Department.
“The delegation will discuss international, regional, human rights and bilateral cooperation on economic, judicial, security, educational and cultural issues,” the statement read.
Blinken met with Shoukry last September, and they “agreed to hold a bilateral strategic dialogue.”
“They discussed the high value both the US and Egypt place on strengthening and deepening our partnership that is responsive to the full range of issues in the bilateral relationship.
“The Secretary noted that such a strengthened partnership would be facilitated by steps from the Government of Egypt to improve its protection of human rights,” the statement read.
The meeting stressed consultation between Egypt and the US during the coming period to advance cooperation in priority sectors, a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry read.
It also underlined removing any obstacles hindering the two countries’ aspiration to push their solid ties toward new horizons.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi launched in September Egypt’s National Strategy for Human Rights that will run until 2026 and address civilian, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
Earlier in September, the Biden administration withheld $130 million worth of $300 military aid to Egypt until Cairo takes specific steps related to human rights. It approved granting it an aid worth $170 million.
The US provides around $1.3 billion in military assistance to Egypt annually.
