Egypt-U.S. relations at 100 years: A partnership that is more vital than ever | TheHill – The Hill

The Biden administration is working to strengthen global partnerships that will help keep America safe and protect both U.S. and allies national security interests.

While many other nations have raised doubts about the U.S. and voiced their need to reassess their partnerships in lieu of changing global dynamics,Egypthas reinforcedits strong bondswith Washington and coordinatedjointresponses tonew global economic and environmental challenges, as wellasincreasing threats in the Middle East.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Charter Communications - Dem wheels wobble on BBB train; Fed rate hikes in '22 Overnight Defense & National Security Senate passes sweeping defense bill Hillicon Valley Here come the state-sponsored hackers MORE and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry recently concluded the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue, declaring that our 100-year partnership has never been stronger or more vital to our shared security andsocio-economic interests.

In recent months, when intense fighting broke out between Israel and Hamas, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and President BidenJoe BidenFlorida man kicked off United flight for using underwear as mask in protest On The Money Presented by Citi Build Back Better...late than never? Overnight Energy & Environment Biden releases lead plan MORE worked together to broker a ceasefire and commit to humanitarian aid andreconstructionin Gaza.Today, Egypt plays an essential role in continuing to lock the bolts of tranquility as a prelude to launching serious peace efforts.

With parliamentary elections scheduled in Libya on Dec. 24, Egyptplayeda critical role in bringing all sides together. In June, as the Berlin Summit discussions on the future of Libya broke down threatening Decembers elections Egypt and the U.S.worked quickly toensure a successful Paris Summitand are working together to keep theelectionsprocess on trackand on time.

In August,as the political and economic crisis in Lebanon sparked warnings of anarchy, Egypt and the U.S. worked to reach agreement with neighboring countries to allow Egypt to supply crucially needed gas to Lebanon to supportand hold backhospitals, businesses and government servicesfrom the brink of collapse.

In September, after the risks and uncertainties raisedbythe U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Egypts Ministry of Defense and the U.S. militarys Central Command (CENTCOM) coordinated 21 nations in joint air, land and sea operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea a statement to all that Egypt, the U.S. and our allies stand prepared to protect peace and stability together.

Last month at the U.N. Climate ChangeSummit(COP26), Egypt stood alongsidetheU.S. and other nations to announce our commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Egypts selection to lead climate change efforts for the next year leading up to COP27 inEgypts Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh is telling and stands as a clear testament to the international confidence in todays new progressive Egypt.

Egypts joint efforts internationally with the United States are matched by significant progress that President Sisi has been leading at home, aimed at protecting lives and human rightsin a comprehensive, balanced fashionforall Egyptians.

The promotion of human rights in Egypt is on a promising trajectory. Recently, we launched a five-yearNational Strategy for Human Rights(2021-2026)that acknowledges and identifies our own imperfections, and vows to redress as itreinforcesour commitment toover100 millionEgyptianswho,like Americans, have a right tolife, the most sacred of rights, and to development,health care, affordable housing, social security and economic opportunity. This plan establishesannualcivil, political, social, cultural and economictargetsin accordance with the U.N. Human Rights Council to achieve and protect critical freedoms for all Egyptians.

On the economic front,Egypt also has introduced broad economic reforms across our government that have allowed us to achieve a3.6percent growth rateduring a pandemic year and to generate increased foreign investment while othersin our region have struggled. International financial institutions and credit-rating agencies project a stable economic outlook for Egypt and continued growth at an average of 5.5 percent. The first quarter of the current fiscal year is already marked by an impressive 9.8 percent growth rate.

There clearly is more work to be done, as both the U.S. and Egypt strive to address national and international priorities. As we move forward together tomark and celebrate our centennial of formal relations in 2022,it is critical that the leadership in Washington, in Congress and in the Biden administration continue to develop a full appreciation for the value of the EgyptU.S. partnership. Anything lessrisks underminingthe real progress we have made together, and overlookingsocial andeconomic opportunitiesthat can benefitbothnations.

Now is the time for the U.S. and Egypt to come together and build on a common legacy developed over the last 100 years, in which both of our countries can take pride. By working together on new, protracted challenges of national security, socio-economic and geopolitical interests, we will truly build an even better legacy for the next century.

Motaz Zahran is Egypts Ambassador to the United States. He formerly served as the countrys assistant foreign minister and chief of Cabinet at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo, and as ambassador to Canada.

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Egypt-U.S. relations at 100 years: A partnership that is more vital than ever | TheHill - The Hill