LOC21:59
18:59 GMT
CAIRO, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- Egypt and the United States held a joint ceremony
Sunday in Cairo to mark the delivery of new F-16 aircraft to the Egyptian Air
Force, confirming the two nations' joint commitment to regional security.
The ceremony was attended by Egyptian Defense Minister Lieutenant General
Abdel-Fatah Al-Sisi, U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Anne W. Patterson and Deputy
Undersecretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs Heidi Grant.
Al-Sisi lauded the strong and deeply-rooted Egyptian-American relations,
adding that Egypt is looking forward to more cooperation with the American
military, particularly in supplying Egyptian forces with the latest military
technology and weaponry.
For her part, Heidi Grant reiterated the US commitment to bolstering
military cooperation with Egypt for guarantee regional security and stability.
The US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson also hailed the strong friendship bonds
between the two countries.
"Today's ceremony demonstrates the firm belief of the United States that a
strong Egypt is in the interest of the U.S., the region and the world,"
Ambassador Patterson. "We look to Egypt to continue to serve as a force for
peace, security, and leadership as the Middle East proceeds with its
challenging yet essential journey toward democracy."
The U.S. delivery of four aircraft is part of a group of 20 F-16s that will
arrive in Egypt over the course of the year. To date, the U.S. has delivered
224 F-16 aircraft to Egypt.
"Our thirty-four year security partnership is based upon shared interests
and mutual respect," said Ambassador Patterson.
"The United States has long recognized Egypt as an indispensible partner."
The F-16s are part of the USD 1.3 billion in the Foreign Military Financing
(FMF) program from the U.S. in annual military and security assistance to
improve Egypt's defensive capabilities and support Egypt's contributions to
regional security that counter terrorist threats. (end)
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