The US administration of President Joe Biden said Egypt is a constructive defence partner during a Senate hearing regarding the US aid to Egypt on Tuesday.
Officials from the US State Department and Pentagon said that Biden has made human rights a priority in talks with Egypt.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Dana Stroul said that Egypt has legitimate security concerns. “Security assistance to Egypt is a critical tool in supporting those needs,” she continued.
She added that Biden’s administration views Egypt’s role as constructive when it comes to border security, Libya, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), and Gaza conflict.
Stroul also praised Egypt for agreeing to devote its own funds – not just part of its $1.3bn in annual US security aid – to upgrade its Apache helicopters.
Similarly, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Regional Security in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Mira Resnick said that Egypt remains a vital security partner as evidenced by the Egyptian President’s success in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.
