Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will head to Washington for a two-day visit on Monday to discuss US aid to Egypt and other issues with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. During his visit Shoukry is also expected to meet with White House national security advisor John Bolton, and to discuss investment projects in Egypt with members of the American Chamber of Commerce, a statement by Egypt's foreign ministry read. According to the statement, Shoukry is also expected to meet with representatives of American companies and individuals who may invest in Egypt. Shoukry is expected "to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations, including the US aid programme to Egypt in its various economic, developmental and military aspects" with Pompeo, the Egyptian statement by foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid read. In July 2018, following talks with an Egyptian military delegation, the US said that it would shortly release $195 million in military aid to Egypt which it had suspended since August 2017. "Shoukry will be keen to brief his American counterpart on the economic developments and social reform programme adopted by the Egyptian government…as well as the Egyptian efforts in the fight against terrorism and the military's Sinai Operation 2018," the statement read. With Bolton, Shoukry is expected to discuss ways to boost bilateral relations during the next phase and regional developments in the Middle East. Abu Zeid said that "the visit comes in the framework of maintaining a high level of communication with the American administration." The visit also aims at "strengthening the strategic relations between the two countries and highlighting the importance of the implementation of bilateral interests in various fields." During the visit, officials will coordinate on the date of the planned strategic 2+2 dialogue between the two countries' defence and foreign ministers. "Washington and Cairo are keen to intensify consultation and coordination to enhance stability and peace in the region," Abu Zeid's statement read.
