Mattis offers condolences for lost of Egyptian soldiers to counterpart

WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis spoke on Thursday with Egyptian Defense Minister Sedki Sobhy to offer condolences for the Egyptian soldiers who died in attacks in North Sinai and reiterated commitment to advancing their defense partnership.
"Mattis underlined the value the United States places in the bilateral relationship and Egypt's critical role in regional leadership," said a statement from the Defense Department.
The leaders emphasized the importance of strong cooperation for stability in the Middle East and their shared fight against terrorism, it said. (end) ak.mb