WASHINGTON – The strategic dialogue conference between Egypt and the US is an indicator of a mutual interest to restore momentum to the relationship between the two countries, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said.
Cairo and Washington are seeking to achieve common interests and counter challenges in the region, Shoukry said in a telephone conversation with ON TV channel from the US Monday night.
Shoukry said he considers the US state secretary a “friend”, believing he is well aware of the importance of Egyptian-US cooperation to serve common interests.
The dialogue conference with Antony Blinken focused on ways to support Egypt’s economic plan and encourage US companies to invest in the Arab country, Shoukry said.
He added that they also discussed the impact of coronavirus, whether at the economic or health level.
The dialogue also took up the human rights file, with focus on Egypt’s achievements in this regard, the top diplomat further said.
Shoukry pointed to shared views with Blinken on the need to work on maintaining stability in the region.
He touched upon an Egyptian-US consensus about the need for foreign mercenaries to leave Libya in order to achieve stability and conduct elections in the country.
Mercenaries should withdraw and an elected government should take up duties to achieve aspirations of the Libyan people, Shoukry noted.
