Washington keen to revitalize Egypt’s ailing economy: Shoukry

Cairo has said Washington is keen to help stabilise Egypt’s battered economy and bolster its development plans, while stressing that there are strong ties between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks with his US counterpart John Kerry early Thursday on the sidelines of a global two-day nuclear security summit in Washington.

“Kerry stressed that Washington is keen to assist Egypt in the economic woes it faces,” Shoukry told reporters in Washington following the talks, as quoted by state news agency MENA.

During the bilateral discussion, both leaders discussed possible US efforts to promote investment in the Egyptian market

Egypt’s economy has been rocked by over five years of political tumult since the 2011 popular revolt which has scared away foreign investors and tourists.

The talks also addressed Egypt’s commitment to “political, economic and social reformation pursuant to human rights principles” enshrined in its constitution.

The two senior diplomats also discussed recent developments in the region, namely the crisis in war-torn Syria.

Shoukry quashed reports of disagreements with Washington over the crisis in Syria, stressing both sides see eye to eye on the need for a “political solution” to the country’s five-year-old conflict.

source:  Ahram Online