FM meets former US national security adviser

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Saturday met with former assistant to the US president for National Security Affairs Stephen Hadley, who is currently serving as Chairman of the United States Institute of Peace.

Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said the meeting was held on the background of an important report, recently prepared by Hadley and former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright, which was presented to the new US administration as a proposed strategy for deal with the Middle East in the next phase.

The report gathers several recommendations for dealing with the major regional crises and relations with the strategic and major states in the Middle East.

Hadley told Shoukry that the report's starting point considers Egypt one the most important countries in the Middle East region in terms of its strategic value to the United States, and that Washington's interest requires promoting and strengthening its ties with Cairo, the spokesman said.

He added that the report marks Egypt, Iran, Turkey and Saudi Arabia as the main countries that the United States shall give special attention with regard to the Middle East and its stability, the spokesman added.

The meeting dealt with the crisis in Libya, Syria, and Yemen, along with the war on terrorism.

Shoukry reviewed Egypt's vision on ways to overcome those crises and develop sustainable and viable solutions for them.

He also briefed Hadley on the ongoing economic, social and political developments in Egypt, and the Egyptian government's reform program.

The minister affirmed the need to continue and promote the US support for Egypt in the next phase to ensure the success of the Egyptian experience, as Egypt's stability and success will enhance the stability of the whole region. 

The United States Institute of Peace works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict around the world by providing analysis, education, and resources. It was created by Congress in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan, federally funded organization.

Source: MENA