(Photo from Centre for International Governance Innovation website)
Egypt’s Minister of Finance Ahmed Galal sat down with the acting American ambassador in Cairo, David Satterfield, to discuss the government’s economic plans and latest steps taken to achieve social justice and economic development, according to an official statement issued by the ministry of finance on 26 September.
During their meeting, Ahmed Galal said that the Egyptian government is implementing a clear plan and taking steps and procedures, both economic and political, towards building a modern Egypt.
He added that the biggest challenges that the ministry faces is the Egyptian citizens’ anticipation that results should be quick, and that the focus of all governmental efforts is to achieve the better living conditions Egyptians aspire for.
On his side, the American ambassador assured that the United States is fully committed to supporting the international institutions in Egypt, according to the statement, which did not elaborate on these institutions. He added that the allegations regarding the US’ stance towards Egypt are untrue.
Satterfield stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) along with the World Bank are also committed to aiding Egypt.
On 12 September, Gerry Rice, the IMF’s communications director said during a press briefing that the fund remains strongly committed to helping the Egyptian people deal with their economic and financial challenges.
In an interview with Anis Aclimandos, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt, he told Daily News Egypt that the tension between Egypt and the US will ease: “Business is business and it will prevail.”
“There will be some tensions but it is in the interest of the national security of the United States to have good relations with Egypt, and I think Egypt has [an] invested interest in remaining on good terms with the United States,” he said.
