By Ahmed Abbas
The US values the strong partnership with Egypt and plans to seek more cooperation in the future, US Secretary of Navy Ray Mabus said after his meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Defence Sedki Sobhi on Monday.
“We are working closely with the Egyptian military to support its fight against terrorism, to make the region safe and stable, and to ensure the free flow of commerce,” Mabus said.
Egypt and the US are holding joint participation in exercises, such as Exercise Bright Star, to strengthen the relationship and build interoperability between both forces.
Sobhi reviewed with Mabus the delivery of two Fast Missile Craft warships to the Egyptian Navy in June, which joined two other Fast Missile Craft that were previously delivered to Egypt, according to a statement released by the US embassy in Cairo.
The Fast Missile Craft is designed to counter Egypt’s current maritime surface threats and provide freedom of navigation, and the four naval vessels help counter terrorism and protect global commerce, according to the statement.
