Egypt, US Agree to Intensify Cooperation in Combating Terrorism

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)
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Egypt, US Agree to Intensify Cooperation in Combating Terrorism

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his accompanying delegation (Egyptian Presidency)

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism and extremist ideology.

The presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said that Sullivan conveyed President Joe Biden's greetings to Sisi and his assurances on the importance and strength of the Egyptian-US alliance.

Washington wants to develop partnerships with Cairo and bring them to broader horizons during the coming period.

He indicated that this comes within the framework of close and extended cooperation relations between the two countries, particularly in light of the essential Egyptian role under Sisi’s leadership in the Middle East, as a mainstay for security and stability.

Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness to strengthen its extended strategic partnership with the US, intensify cooperation and coordination between the two countries at various levels since there are common interests between the two countries, and support efforts to restore security and stability in the Middle East because it suffers from tension and turmoil.

The president affirmed Egypt's firm position based on the need to strengthen the pillars and national institutions of countries in crises to end the suffering of their peoples, preserve their capabilities, and help fill the vacuum that allowed terrorist groups to expand and spread.

The National Security Advisor expressed the US administration's profound appreciation for Egypt's extended efforts to establish peace in the region, its primary role in the truce between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, and the initiatives for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Sullivan praised Egypt's efforts, and a consensus was reached on the importance of promoting cooperation between the two sides in this field during the next stage, given that terrorism is a significant global threat.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Head of General Intelligence Major General Abbas Kamel, US Chargé d'Affaires Nicole Shampaine, Middle East Coordinator at the Security Council Brett McGurk, Head of the North Africa Department of the US National Security Council Joshua Harris, Senior Advisor to the President of the US National Security Council Ariana Berengaut.



First Wheat Shipment Since Assad’s Ouster Arrives in Syria’s Latakia

A farmer shows wheat plants at a field in Giza, Egypt April 18, 2025. (Reuters)
A farmer shows wheat plants at a field in Giza, Egypt April 18, 2025. (Reuters)
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First Wheat Shipment Since Assad’s Ouster Arrives in Syria’s Latakia

A farmer shows wheat plants at a field in Giza, Egypt April 18, 2025. (Reuters)
A farmer shows wheat plants at a field in Giza, Egypt April 18, 2025. (Reuters)

A ship carrying wheat has arrived in Syria's Latakia port, the first delivery of its kind since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebels in December, the government said on Sunday.

Officials of the new government say that while imports of wheat and other basics are not subject to US and UN sanctions, challenges in securing financing for trade deals have deterred global suppliers from selling to Syria.

The Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Borders said in a statement that the ship carried 6,600 tons of wheat. It did not identify the nationality or destination of the boat, but one regional commodity trader told Reuters it was from Russia.

"A step that is considered a clear indication of the start of a new phase of economic recovery in the country," the borders authority said of the shipment, adding that it should pave the way for more arrivals of vital supplies.

Traders say Syria has this year been largely relying on overland imports from neighbors.

Russia and Iran, both major backers of the Assad government, previously provided most of Syria's wheat and oil products but stopped after the opposition triumphed and he fled to Moscow.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government is focused on economic recovery after 14 years of conflict.