Cohen promises military aid to Egypt

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received US Secretary of Defense William Cohen. Egyptian Minister of Defense Mohammed Hussein Tantawi and the US ambassador in Cairo, Daniel Kurtzer, attended the meeting.

After the meeting, Cohen said there is a strong cooperation and commitment between Egypt and the US in support of security and stability in the Middle East. He said, "The meeting with President Mubarak was very good," and said different points of view were reviewed regarding the peace process.

He added, "I have informed President Mubarak of President Clinton's determination to go on in pushing forward the peace process," referring to the return of US peace process coordinator Dennis Ross to the area starting today in order to resume talks with the Palestinians and Israelis.

Cohen noted the two countries' opposition to terrorism, praising Egypt's efforts to urge Iraq to implement UN resolutions during the last crisis, and said the US will provide Egypt during the current year with $1.3 billion and will resume its military training with Egypt. He said the cooperation program will include presenting Stinger missiles, two frigates, torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles to Egypt.

He said the US appreciates Egypt's efforts to reach peace in the Middle East.

A session of talks has been held between Egypt and the U.S.A headed by the Egyptian minister of defense Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, and the American minister of defense William Cohen - in which they reviewed aspects of military cooperation between the two countries.