US defense chief: Egypt ties an 'essential pillar' in region
The U.S. defense secretary says America’s defense partnership with Egypt is an “essential pillar” of Washington’s commitment to the Middle East
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday that America’s defense partnership with Egypt is an “essential pillar” of Washington’s commitment to the Middle East.
Austin made the remark on Twitter after touching down in Cairo on the latest leg of his Middle East tour. He was greeted by senior Egyptian military officials at the Cairo airport.
After landing, Austin held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and other high-ranking officials.
According to a statement issued by Egypt's presidential spokesperson, el-Sissi and Austin discussed various issues, including military cooperation and surging violence in the Palestinian territories. Few further details about the meeting were given.
Austin was expected to depart Cairo for Israel later Wednesday. His previous stoops on the tour included Jordan and Iraq. He was in Baghdad on Tuesday on an unannounced visit, days before the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.
Egypt is one of the largest recipients in the Mideast of American economic and military aid and an abiding U.S. ally in the region. But in recent years, U.S. lawmakers have sought to condition that aid on human rights improvements and reforms.
Since coming to power in 2013, el-Sissi's government has overseen a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent, jailing thousands. Officials have targeted not only Islamist political opponents but also pro-democracy activists, journalists and online critics.
''The U.S.-Egypt defense partnership is an essential pillar of our commitment to this region,'' Austin posted on Twitter. ‘’I’m here to strengthen our coordination on key issues and to pursue opportunities to deepen our long-standing bilateral partnership with Egypt.''
Egypt has also played a key role in brokering numerous cease-fire agreements between Israeli and Palestinian leaders over recent years. Austin's trip comes as violence has surged across the occupied West Bank to its highest levels in years. Austin was expected to meet with Israeli officials on Thursday.
Both the United States and Egypt are also currently engaged in cross-party talks seeking to end enduring political crises in neighboring Libya and Sudan.