Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election has sparked hopes in Egypt for bolstering the strategic partnership between the two nations and collaborating to foster regional peace. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi expressed these aspirations via a post on his official X account following the conclusion of the elections.
“I affirm my commitment to continue working and co-operating with His Excellency to enhance the strategic relations between our two countries and to achieve our common interests, which serve the interests of both peoples and strengthen security and stability in our region and the world.”
Yesterday, Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, taking office as Republicans secured unified control of Washington, aiming to reshape the nation’s institutions.
Egypt-US strategic co-operation
The relationship between Egypt and the US has withstood numerous changes in American administrations, built on a foundation of partnership to pursue mutual objectives.
While the US holds a leading position on global and regional matters, Egypt plays a crucial role in the Middle East and Africa. This is highlighted in the study “Egyptian Relations with the Great Powers: Continued Balance,” published by the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies.
The study outlines that Egypt’s approach to its relationship with the US is rooted in safeguarding the strategic interests of both nations. Egypt aims to sustain regional balance, including its right to enhance its military and economic capacities to combat terrorism.
Meanwhile, the United States values security in the Suez Canal, which facilitates operations in key regions such as the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Key Sisi-Trump meetings
President El Sisi met with President Trump on multiple occasions during Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021. Their first meeting took place in April 2017 at the White House, where they focused on enhancing the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States.
Key topics included collaboration in countering terrorism and bolstering economic stability in Egypt. The second meeting occurred in September 2018 during the United Nations General Assembly.
The third meeting was held in April 2019, again at the White House, during which Trump praised Sisi’s leadership in economic and security policies. They also discussed developments in the Middle East and regional security concerns.
According to research by Mohamed Maged Beheiry published in “Al Siyassa Al Dawliya” magazine, Egyptian-American relations during the early phase of Trump’s administration were marked by a strong alignment of perspectives across various fields.
Central to this alignment were efforts to combat global terrorism, address the Palestinian issue, and reaffirm Egypt’s role as a key strategic ally of the United States in the Middle East.
In an analysis of US elections and their implications for Egyptian interests, Mohamed Tawfiq, Egypt’s former ambassador to Washington, noted that differences in the policies of successive US administrations could have a profound impact on Egypt.
He emphasised this in light of the evolving US approach to the Middle East, which was significantly influenced by the October 7attack and the ensuing war launched by Israeli forces on Gaza. These events brought renewed global and regional attention to the Palestinian issue.
Tawfiq further stated that Egyptian foreign policy must continue to prioritise strategic independence while maintaining and strengthening balanced relationships with key international powers. At the same time, he underscored the importance of reinforcing areas of common interest between Egypt and the United States at the bilateral, regional, and international levels.
The war in Gaza also shifted the trajectory of political and economic dynamics. It facilitated Cairo’s access to substantial financial aid from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, while the US administration announced the full release of military assistance to Egypt without any conditions or restrictions.
Military aid
Since the signing of the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty in 1979, Egypt has received a fixed annual aid package from the US. This was introduced by late US President Jimmy Carter, who pledged yearly economic and military assistance to both Egypt and Israel following the agreement.
Investment opportunities
Egypt and the US are dedicated to enhancing bilateral economic collaboration for shared prosperity. This includes expanding trade, boosting private sector investments, and fostering partnerships in clean energy and climate technology.
During a July meeting with Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, US Ambassador Herro Moustafa Garg emphasised that strengthening co-operation and coordination frameworks between the two nations will be a key focus of the US Embassy’s efforts in the coming period.
She expressed her eagerness to see continued collaboration across various sectors, particularly in the realms of economy and education. Ambassador Moustafa also highlighted opportunities for joint initiatives in the energy sector, underscoring Egypt’s unique position to partner with neighbouring countries in this critical area and to serve as a pivotal regional energy player.
She further has noted that 1,200 American companies are currently operating in the Egyptian market, describing them as exemplary success stories that reflect the fruitful partnership between the two nations. In light of this, the Ambassador expressed her hope to see increased direct American investment in Egypt in the future.
Balancing act amid regional conflict
Ambassador Nabil Fahmy, a former foreign minister, said that every American administration, whether Republican or Democrat, brings with it both positive and negative characteristics.
Speaking on a TV programme, he noted that Democrat administrations often adopt principled stances but frequently fail to uphold them. He also highlighted that President Trump operates with the belief that nothing is off-limits in American politics.
Addressing the future of US-Egypt relations, particularly with the potential revival of discussions around the forced displacement of Palestinians to places like Indonesia, Fahmy remarked: “President Trump bases his decisions on two primary criteria: cost and benefit. This framework shapes his approach to issues like forced displacement. While it might not directly target Egypt or be imposed on us, such ideas align with Trump’s general way of thinking.”
“This line of thinking could emerge in the new administration if it hasn’t already been raised,” he added.
Fahmy emphasised the importance of Egypt having a clear stance on this matter from the outset. He explained: “In any issue, Trump’s focus will centre on the players involved – those who either contribute to or hinder his objectives. Any party that doesn’t offer value won’t factor into his calculations.”
He also underlined the critical need for Egypt to maintain an active role in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
“Egypt is playing a vital part in the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This role sends a positive message regionally and must continue in the period ahead.”
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