Egypt-US Relations Better Since 30 June: FM Shoukry

Egypt-US relations witnessed a great improvement as a result of the 30 June ‘revolution’, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

Shoukry cited a 40-minute phone call on Thursday with US Secretary of State John Kerry, state news agency MENA reported.

Shoukry’s claim was made during a meeting on Thursday with newspaper editors.

The foreign minister, appointed last June, said the US role as the leading western power “cannot be denied.”

He added that Egypt should utilise its relationship with the US as a giant economic partner because relationships between countries are built on mutual benefit and respect.

However, the minister pointed to what he described as a US mistake, which is dealing with other countries according to short-term interests instead of thinking of the longer term

Immediately after the 30 June 2013 mass protests, which led to the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, the US froze its aid to Egypt.

The US cited concerns that a democratic process was not taking place in Egypt. However, following the election of El-Sisi in May, the US congress unfroze $1.5 billion in mostly military aid.

Source : Ahram online