In the daily press briefing, Spokesperson Ned Price stated that Secretary Blinken talked with his Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. During the conversation, Blinken highlighted the significance of the strategic relations between the United States and Egypt with a special focus on security and counterterrorism cooperation.
Blinken also expressed his concerns about human rights that he specified would be at the center of the relations between the two states and Egypt’s possible purchase of Su-35 fighter aircrafts from Russia, the Spokesperson Price added. Based on the statement, the two diplomats also discussed supporting UN-led peace negotiations in Libya, the Middle East Peace Process, and counterterrorism cooperation in the Sinai.
After his negotiation, Blinken said on Twitter that he looks forward to improving relations with Egypt. He also warned that the common security interests between the two states must get along with respect for democracy and human rights, including the importance of a strong civil society.
