Egypt receives US delegation amid row over withheld aid

By Viola Fahmy

CAIRO

Egypt on Wednesday received a high-profile U.S. delegation to discuss means of restarting the Middle East peace process, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

The visit comes only hours after Cairo strongly criticized a decision by Washington to withhold millions of dollars in financial aid over longstanding concerns about Egypt’s human rights record.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with members of the U.S. delegation, which was headed by U.S. presidential adviser Jared Kushner.

“The two sides agreed on the need to maintain consultations between Egypt and the U.S. in the upcoming period with a view to advancing the peace process and restarting talks between the Palestinian and Israeli sides,” the ministry statement read.

Shoukry stressed that finding a solution to the perennial dispute would contribute to regional peace and stability.

The ministry statement, however, did not address Washington’s decision to withhold financial assistance.

Earlier Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said the U.S. decision showed “poor judgment” regarding the two countries’ “strategic relationship”.

The ministry went on to warn that the move could have a “negative impact” on the two countries’ common interests.

Late Tuesday, the U.S. State Department announced that Washington would not provide Egypt with $290 million in financial aid due to ongoing concerns over Egypt’s spotty record on human rights.

“These funds will be held in reserve until we see progress from Egypt on key priorities,” read a statement issued by a State Department official.

Seen as a vital U.S. ally in the region, Egypt has received nearly $80 billion in U.S. military and economic assistance over the past 30 years.