Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 8, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)
By Gary Raynaldo – DIPLOMATIC TIMES
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi Wednesday in Cairo to reaffirm Washington’s “commitment to the bilateral relationship” and exchange views on shared regional and global security challenges. The U.S. defense secretary also met with Egypt’s Minister of Defense Muhammed Zaki. In both meetings, the leaders agreed to strengthen their “close coordination” on regional and global security issues and pursue opportunities to deepen the decades-long bilateral defense partnership, according to a statement from Pentagon.
“The US-Egypt defense partnership is an essential pillar of our commitment to this region,”
-Defense Secretary Austin
He also praised Egypt for taking command of the Combined Maritime Forces’ Task Force 153, which focuses on Red Sea security. The Secretary also highlighted the upcoming combined exercise, BRIGHT STAR 23, as “a demonstration of Egypt’s leadership” and the strength of continued U.S.-Egypt cooperation to improve regional security and credible deterrence, the Pentagon said.
Pentagon “Committed” To Working With Egypt To Enhance Defense Capabilities
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participates in a bilateral exchange with Egyptian Minister of Defense General Mohamed Zaki in Cairo, Egypt, March 8, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with Egyptian Minister of Defense General Mohamed Zaki in Cairo, Egypt, to reaffirm the U.S. “commitment to the bilateral relationship” and to exchange views on shared regional and global security challenges, March 8, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)
Austin also stressed the Department of Defense’s “commitment” to working with Egypt to enhance its defensive capabilities. The Secretary additionally praised Egypt’s regional and global leadership, in particular thanking the President for Egypt’s role mediating Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Austin also provided updates on Russia’s “unprovoked war of aggression” against Ukraine, its global economic consequences, and the threat the conflict poses to the rules-based international order.
Pentagon Chief Makes Surprise Visit To Iraq
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to “renew their mutual commitment to long-term defense cooperation as a key pillar of the 360-degree U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership”, March 7, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)
The U.S. defense secretary’s meetings in Egypt was the last leg of his trip through the Middle East to reaffirm U.S. commitments in the region. Austin made a surprise visit to Iraq Tuesday where he met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and other Iraqi officials. The U.S. defense secretary told reporters Washington is committed to keeping American forces in Iraq. Austin said Daesh, a terrorist group also known as ISIL, Islamic State, or ISIS, “continues to threaten the lives and livelihoods of Iraq’s citizens, so our continued cooperation is essential.” Austin’s visit came nearly 20 years after the US invasion of Iraq that removed dictator Saddam Hussein from power. The Iraq War began on 20 March 2003, when the US, joined by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland, launched a “shock and awe” bombing campaign that led to the ouster of Hussein.
In the Middle East, Austin said, the U.S. military has more than 34,000 troops participating in shared security cooperation efforts.
Austin also visited Jordan Sunday where he met with King Abdullah II of Jordan as part of his multiday tour of partner nations in the Middle East. As part of the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of shared concerns, including security in nearby Iraq, the flow of illegal narcotics in the region, Syria, the escalating tensions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and working towards a lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
