Egypt Daily News – Egypt has emphasized its advancements in human rights during discussions led by Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Atti with U.S. Congress members in Washington.
The meetings focused on human rights, religious, and civil liberties, presenting the Egyptian government’s narrative of progress in these areas, particularly under the “National Human Rights Strategy 2021 – 2026.”
Abdel Atti highlighted legislative amendments, economic reforms, and women’s rights initiatives as part of Egypt’s comprehensive approach to enhancing human rights.
These discussions come in the context of ongoing U.S. military aid to Egypt, which had previously been subjected to conditions tied to human rights compliance.
Recently, the U.S. decided to overlook these conditions and grant the full $1.3 billion aid package, illustrating the complexity of the human rights issue within U.S.-Egypt relations.
Former Egyptian diplomat Ambassador Hussein Haridi noted that human rights continue to be a focal point of bilateral dialogues, influenced by annual U.S. State Department assessments.
In addition to human rights, Abdel Atti and the Congress members discussed regional issues, including the Gaza conflict, Libya, and maritime security in the Red Sea.
The meetings culminated in a mutual understanding and appreciation for Egypt’s role in regional stability, while reaffirming the importance of addressing concerns related to the Palestinian situation.
Abdel Atti urged for Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza by retracting military presence from certain areas. Overall, the meetings underscore the intertwined nature of human rights discussions and broader geopolitical dynamics in U.S.-Egypt relations.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Abdel Aati, has highlighted the significance of the enduring strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, which has been beneficial for both nations over the decades.
During discussions in Cairo, he underscored the need for increased economic cooperation, particularly by boosting American investments in Egypt. In this context, he mentioned the upcoming Cairo Economic Future of Egypt Forum aimed at enhancing trade and investment relations.
Abdel Aati is also set to engage in extensive discussions with U.S. envoys regarding regional issues in the Middle East and Africa during his visit to Washington.
Additionally, he will participate in a roundtable at a prominent American research institution before attending the high-level segment of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
