US assistance to Egypt will remain intact

US Agency for International Development (USAID) director Willard Pearson said the assistance offered by the US to Egypt will not be affected by the attacks against vital US targets on September 11.

At a news conference held on Wednesday, Pearson said the US administration sets the strong partnership between the US and Egypt atop of its priorities.

"This Partnership is strengthening with the passage of time," said Pearson.

He said the US will always support the development efforts undertaken by Egypt to adress problems.

USAID is ready to cooperate with the Egyptian government to eliminate any negative impact on the Egyptian economy as a result of the latest events, especially in the field of tourism which is expected to be the most suffering sector worldwide, added Pearson.

"The agency will shore up the tourist sector in Egypt to alleviate of its suffering especially with the tourist season approaching," he said.

USAID will also open a number of small and medium-scale enterprises that play an important role in creating job opportunities in Egypt, added the US official.

Pearson said that Egypt had suffered a lot from terrorism and managed to eradicate it. Thus, it could offer much expertise to the US in this regard.