Kerry launches US-Egypt strategic dialogue in Cairo

http://www.dw.com/en/kerry-launches-us-egypt-strategic-dialogue-in-cairo/a-18622606

US Secretary of State John Kerry has pledged economical and political support to Egypt as the two countries resumed a strategic dialogue after six years. Kerry was to meet President el-Sissi before heading to Doha.

Kerry launches US-Egypt strategic dialogue in Cairo
02.08.2015

John Kerry opened the security talks on Sunday in a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukri, in Cairo. The dialogue is the first between the two countries since 2009, and comes days after the United States announced that it would begin the delivery of eight F-16 fighter jets to the Middle Eastern country.

Ties between Washington and Cairo have been tumultuous since the popular revolt against former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The relations between the two countries have begun to improve somewhat, with Washington lifting sanctions on military aid for Egypt in March.

"The American people are committed to the security and economic wellbeing of the Egyptian people," Kerry said, who began his Middle East tour on Saturday. "The friendship between our countries is not based on some kind of perfect agreement, it's based on intense awareness of our shared interests in areas of regional security and counter-terrorism," he added.

Security challenges in the region

US officials say they are concerned about the expansion of the "Islamic State" (IS) militant group to Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. The resumption of security talks with Egypt, they say, was the need of the hour.

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Nothing like eight F-16s to get diplomatic talks started.