Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hamdi Loza met Tuesday a United States' congressional delegation, headed by House of Representatives member Chris Stewart, to discuss developments in bilateral relations between the two countries. The delegation included members from the armed services, intelligence, budget, science and homeland security committees. During the meeting, regional international issues of common concern were also discussed. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Tuesday said the meeting dealt with the latest developments in Egypt. It quoted Loza as saying that Egypt is moving in the path of democratic transformation. Loza noted that the reform process currently underway in Egypt is a comprehensive one that includes all political, economic and social aspects. He pointed to the government's intention of completing the roadmap currently underway in Egypt by holding parliamentary elections in the coming period. The officials also discussed the latest regional developments, particularly focusing on the situation in the Gaza Strip. The US delegation praised the important role and intensive efforts carried out by Egypt to reach a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, the statement said. The congressmen and Loza talked about the latest developments in Syria and Iraq, emphasising the importance of intensifying regional and international action to combat extremism and terrorism.
