Egypt - US start strategic framework discussions
Egypt-USA, Politics, 7/11/1998

Egyptian Foreign Minister's discussions in the US with US Secretary Of State Madeleine Albright pertaining to the peace process, North Africa, West Asia, the Horn of Africa and other problems commenced on Friday.

In a joint statement by Egypt and the U.S., Moussa said "There are a lot of issues to discuss, but we have decided -- thanks to the Secretary (Albright) -- that things should not be taken up or issues as they arise, but we must have a conceptual framework to see, to build on this strategic relationship that has started between the U.S. and Egypt for the last two decades or so."

Moussa added "We have enjoyed the best of relations between the two countries, between the leaders of the two countries, between the Secretary and myself, and the two diplomacies. Indeed, there are certain points that need to be discussed and whatever differences, as the Secretary very rightly said, to be discussed and resolved amicably and through dialogue."

Moussa continued "This is a very important moment in the relations between the U.S. and Egypt, U.S. and the Arab world, U.S. and the Middle East -- that strategic talks are going to start. This is new, but it means that we do care for the U.S. relations with the United States, and we do care for the future of the region, which is very important for the U.S."

Moussa expressed that much is riding on Secretary Albright's efforts regarding the peace process saying "I wish to underline that Secretary Madeleine Albright has indeed enjoyed the respect of the people of the region and a lot of hopes are pinned on her efforts to save the peace process and to put it back on track according to the agreed principles and based on the work -- tremendous work -- that has been done since the inception of that process, or this phase of the process, since 1991."

Secretary Albright for her part described Moussa's visit as opening "a new chapter in the friendship between the United States and Egypt."

Albright added "Over the past two decades, our nations have built a strategic partnership that supports our common goals in the Middle East and around the world. We work together to promote a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East to encourage economic development throughout the region and to combat the scourge of international terrorism."

Albright continued "Through the partnership developed by Vice President Gore and President Mubarak, high-level officials from our governments consult and, whenever possible, cooperate on economic, environmental and other issues. Relations between our armed forces are close and strong. And we have learned over the years that the more frequent and comprehensive our consultations, the stronger and more reliable our partnership."

Abright remarked that "The insight has spurred us to establish this U.S.-Egypt strategic dialogue, which the Foreign Minister and I are inaugurating today. Under our guidance, the officials from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the American State Department will meet regularly to exchange ideas on regional and global issues. To mark the start of this dialogue, we are releasing today a joint statement on its structure and goals."

Albright expected this dialog between the two countries to lead to better understanding and cooperation saying "U.S.-Egyptian partnership is essential to help build peace, prosperity and freedom for our citizens, and to secure a stable future for the people all across the Middle East. I'm confident that our dialogue will be a source of strength for the partnership and for the region today and in the years to come. Foreign Minister Moussa and I actually speak on a very regular basis, but we felt that it was a very good way, I think, to put some structure and formality into our relationship, beyond the normal one of informally speaking."

Previous Stories:
  Egyptian FM confers with Annan on Middle East peace   (7/10/1998)
  Moussa heads to Washington, calls peace efforts a total failure   (7/9/1998)
  US ambassador: We will not withdraw from peace process   (7/2/1998)

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