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US to release $1.2 billion in military aid to Egypt
 [AlAhram] US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has authorized the release of $1.2 billion in U.S. military assistance to Egypt.On Friday, the State Department said it is notifying Congress that Pompeo has signed national security waivers allowing the money known as foreign military financing, or FMF, to be spent. Congress has 15 days to weigh in on the waivers, which were signed on 21 August. The money includes $1 billion for the current 2018 budget year and $195 million appropriated for 2017 that would have had to have been returned to the Treasury had it not been spent by 30 September September.  Sisi discusses boosting Egypt-US military cooperation with the head of US Central Command[AlAhram] President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Saturday with the Head of the US Central Command Joseph Votel means to boost military cooperation between Egypt and the US, said a statement by the spokesperson of the presidency. The meeting was attended by Egypt's Minister of Defence General Mohammed Zaki and the US Charge d'Affaires Thomas Goldberger. The Egyptian President stressed the importance of the growing strategic relations between Egypt and the United States, particularly in the area of military cooperation, the statement read. El-Sisi also welcomed the launch of the joint training exercises between the two countries, "Bright Star 2018", which are taking place from 8 to 20 September. The president also praised the recent exchange of experiences in the field of combating terrorism between the two countries. In this context, El-Sisi discussed with Votel ongoing developments in counter-terrorism efforts on all strategic fronts. The presidency front man added that Votel praised the strength of the military relations between the two countries, stressing his country's keenness to continue to develop and strengthen partnership relations with Egypt in all fields. Votel also pointed out that "Bright Star 2018" highlights the depth of the military cooperation between the two countries, especially in light of the current conditions in the region, which require concerted efforts to address the challenges that threaten the security and stability of the region and the world. He also praised Egypt's efforts in combating terrorism and Egypt's role in strengthening regional security and stability. El-Sisi and Votel also discussed the latest regional developments in light of the crises in a number of countries in the area, the presidency statement added. Posted by: trailing wife 2018-09-09 |
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