June 7, 2009

Following on the meetings between President Mubarak and President Obama, today, the U.S. and Egypt reconvened the Strategic Dialogue to discuss shared concerns, consider emerging threats, and address regional challenges. This round of the dialogue was led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Cabinet Affairs Wafaa Bassem and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns.

The United States and the Arab Republic of Egypt have been strong allies and partners in the search for peace in the Middle East since the Camp David Accords were signed in 1978. This partnership is based on common core principles supporting non-violence, negotiation, international obligations, as well as a mutual commitment to promote political moderation, tolerance, and to counter extremism.

The U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue establishes a regular means of coordinating on a range of topics enabling the U.S. and Egypt to enhance and expand dialogue and cooperation, with the aim to strengthen all aspects of the bilateral relationship and identify new areas for cooperation.