A+ A-

Egypt celebrates US delivery of first batch of F-16 fighter jets

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) rg.ibi KUNA 032159 Feb 13NNNN