Reading of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s meetings. with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Cairo today to reaffirm US commitment to the bilateral relationship and exchange views on common regional and global security challenges.
The secretary commended Egypt’s regional and global leadership and particularly thanked the President for Egypt’s role in mediating Israeli-Palestinian tensions. He informed about Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, its global economic consequences and the threat this conflict poses to the rules-based international order. The Secretary of State stressed US solidarity with Egypt in the face of economic distress caused by Russia’s brutal, unprovoked and unjustified war. The minister also shared his concerns about the multiple threats posed by Iran, including its nuclear program, destabilizing regional activities and providing unmanned aerial systems to Russia. In conclusion, the Secretary of State underscored America’s continued commitment to the region and affirmed that advances in fundamental freedoms and human rights continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship.
In a subsequent meeting with Defense Minister Muhammed Zaki, the minister commended Egypt for taking command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ Task Force 153, which focuses on Red Sea security. The minister also highlighted the upcoming combined exercise, BRIGHT STAR 23, as a demonstration of Egyptian leadership and the strength of continued US-Egypt cooperation to enhance regional security and credible deterrence. The minister reiterated his commitment to improving interoperability between US and Egyptian armed forces, recognized the important steps taken by the Egyptian military to reduce civilian damage during operations, and underscored the Ministry of Defense’s commitment to work with Egypt to enhance its defense capabilities.
At both meetings, leaders agreed to strengthen their close coordination on these issues and seize opportunities to deepen decades of bilateral defense partnership.
