President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to reaffirm their shared commitment to the U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership, consult on a broad range of global and regional security challenges, and advance the U.S.-Egypt relationship. In celebrating the milestone of 100 years of U.S.-Egypt diplomatic relations, President Al Sisi and President Biden expressed their intention to meet again in the near future to further enhance the two countries' multi-faceted partnership. The two leaders renewed their commitment to the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and welcomed the continued implementation of its outcomes.
Strengthening our shared security
The decades-long U.S.-Egypt defense partnership remains a key pillar of regional stability. Both Presidents affirmed the importance of this partnership, which serves the interests of both countries. President Biden reiterated that the United States aims to continue to support Egypt in providing for its own defense, including through the continued provision of security assistance in consultation with the U.S. Congress. Both Presidents affirmed their commitment to cooperate on counter-terrorism and welcomed the notable achievements of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. President Al Sisi expressed Egypt's appreciation for military equipment and security assistance from the United States.
Advancing economic prosperity
Both Presidents expressed their commitment to furthering bilateral economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the Egyptian and American people. They decided to explore new ways to expand bilateral trade, increase private sector investments, and collaborate on clean energy and climate technology. The leaders welcomed the recent U.S. GreenTech Mission to Egypt, the largest in history, and committed to launch the high-level Joint Economic Commission.
The impact of the war in Ukraine
The United States and Egypt underlined that peace, security and a multilateral, rules-based order lie at the heart of their longstanding partnership. Recalling the March 2nd and March 24th United Nations General Assembly resolutions on Ukraine, which both voted in favor of, they reaffirmed their shared principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including the respect for international law, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty. The two Presidents emphasized the need to refrain from the use of force, solve conflicts by peaceful means, and end violations of human rights in conflict areas. The United States and Egypt share particular concerns over the severe global consequences that stem from the war in Ukraine, including on global supply chains and energy and commodity prices. For example, the blockading of Black Sea ports has triggered rising food insecurity and levied significant economic pressures on Egypt.
President Biden underscored U.S. support for the Egyptian people in responding to these challenges. To this end, the United States commends Egypt's consultations with the International Monetary Fund and supports the provision of additional funding to Egypt through the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Trust. The United States also lends its full support to Egypt's engagement with the World Bank to seek financing options to stabilize its economy and strengthen the well-being of Egyptian households, in particular through the Crisis Response Finance Package recently announced by the Bank. President Biden conveyed that the United States is providing $1 billion in new assistance to address the food security situation in the Middle East, with $50 million specifically for Egypt. These funds aim to bolster food security and offset the effects of the disruption in agricultural supply chains and higher food prices due to the blocking of ports. President Biden assured President Al Sisi that the United States will advocate for Egypt and its food security needs.
Promoting regional stability
The United States and Egypt are cooperating closely to mediate solutions to regional conflicts and promote peace. The two leaders stressed that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to realize a secure, prosperous, and dignified future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. President Biden expressed support for Egypt's vital leadership and historic role in promoting peace and an end to the conflict, thereby expanding the circle of peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors and globally, as well as preserving sustainable calm between Israelis and Palestinians.
The two leaders underscored the need to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions 2570, 2571 (2021), reaffirming the necessity of holding presidential and parliamentary elections in tandem as soon as possible in Libya. They emphasized the importance of the full withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries, foreign fighters, and the pivotal role of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee in this regard, including the prompt development of timelines. President Biden thanked President Al Sisi for Egypt's role in helping to consolidate the Yemen Truce, particularly through facilitating commercial flights from Sana'a to Cairo, an important component of the UN-mediated truce arrangement. The two Presidents committed to regular consultations to resolve regional conflicts and humanitarian crises in Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan. Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), President Biden reiterated U.S. support for Egypt's water security and to forging a diplomatic resolution that would achieve the interests of all parties and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region. The two leaders reiterated the imperative of concluding an agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD without further delay as stipulated in the Statement of the President of the United Nations Security Council dated September 15, 2021, and in accordance with international law.
Promoting human rights
President Biden and President Al Sisi emphasized their mutual commitment to a constructive dialogue on human rights, which is an integral component of the strong U.S.-Egypt partnership. They will continue to consult closely on ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in political, civil, economic, social and cultural fields. The two leaders reaffirmed the important role that civil society can play in these areas.
Accelerating global efforts to tackle the climate crisis
President Biden congratulated President Al Sisi for Egypt presiding over the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022 and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to a successful Conference. The United States welcomes Egypt's leadership in accelerating global ambition and action to tackle the climate crisis. President Biden welcomed Egypt's submission of its updated nationally determined contribution (NDC). Both leaders emphasized their countries' support for the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and the new GMP Energy Pathway, which Egypt has joined with respect to the oil and gas sector. The two leaders reaffirmed the U.S. and Egypt's new partnership on Adaptation in Africa, which the U.S. and Egypt will co-lead, focused on delivering concrete initiatives that will improve people's lives and help build resilience to a changing climate. The leaders committed to convene the Joint U.S.-Egypt Climate Working Group as soon as possible.
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