Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stressed to White House national security advisor John Bolton the importance of maintaining US aid to Egypt to boost its capability of facing security challenges and fostering peace and security in the region. Shoukry met with Bolton during a two-day visit to the US, where they discussed a number of issues related to Egyptian-US relations during a first time meeting between the duo, according to a statement by Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid. Shoukry discussed domestic developments in Egypt, adding that Egypt is a major partner that the US can rely on to support peace and security in the region. The Egyptian FM also stressed the importance of holding the upcoming round of joint strategic dialogue and meetings under the 2+2 formula involving the two countries' foreign and defence ministers. On US aid, Shoukry stressed that the aid programme reflects the importance and special relations between the two nations over decades and accomplishes mutual benefit for both sides. Shoukry said that it is important that the aid program is supported, protected, and fortified against any shake ups or disturbances; a statement echoed by Bolton, who said that the US administration wants to preserve the strategic nature of relations with Egypt due to its pivotal role in supporting peace and balance in the MENA region. Bolton was also apprised of Egypt's efforts in fighting terrorism, especially the Egyptian army's comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018. The duo also discussed several conflicts in the region, including the Palestinian issue, Libya, Syria and Yemen. Shoukry's visit comes a few weeks after the US announced in July following a meeting with an Egyptian military delegation that it would release $195 million in military aid to Egypt that had been suspended since August 2017. Shoukry is also set to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit.
