LOC09:16
06:16 GMT
WASHINGTON, April 23 (KUNA) -- The United States has re-affirmed that it continues to view Egypt as an important strategic partner.
This came when Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, late on Tuesday, to inform him that he is certifying to Congress that Egypt is sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States.
Kerry explained to his Egyptian counterpart that his arguments to the Congress would be based on Egypt's countering transnational threats such as terrorism and weapons proliferation and that Cairo is upholding its obligations under the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, the State Department announced.
He reaffirmed that Egypt remains, as it has been for decades, an important strategic partner for the United States, said the statement released by department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
However, Psaki added in the statement that "The Secretary noted that he is not yet able to certify that Egypt is taking steps to support a democratic transition."
"He urged Egypt to follow through on its commitment to transition to democracy including by conducting free, fair and transparent elections, and easing restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and the media as Egypt will be more secure and prosperous if it respects the universal rights of its citizens." (end)
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