After suspending aid to Cairo, U.S. President Donald Trump made a phone call to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and expressed his desire to overcome obstacles in the way of cooperation between both countries over issues of common concern.
"President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received a phone call tonight from U.S .President Donald Trump who affirmed the strength of the friendship between Egypt and the United States and expressed his keenness on continuing to develop the relationship and overcome any obstacles that might affect it," official news agency MENA quoted the presidency, as saying in a statement late on Thursday.
President Sisi highlighted "the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between both countries over issues of common concern."
The phone conversation assumes much importance as it came just days after the Washington decided to deny Egypt almost USD 100 million in aid and hold back another USD 195 million until it sees improvements in Cairo's track record on human rights and democracy.
The Trump administration is looking to strike a balance between acknowledging Egypt's importance as a strategic partner and frustration with passage of a new NGO law it sees as curbing democracy and freedoms.
"Cairo regretted over the US decision," calling it a "misjudgment of the nature of the strategic relations that have bound the two countries for decades," the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The move, the foreign ministry said, "reflects a lack of careful understanding of the importance of supporting the stability and success of Egypt, as well as the size and nature of the security and economic challenges faced by the Egyptian people."
Washington has given Cairo nearly USD 80 billion in military and economic assistance over the past 30 years and will continue to support Egypt in defeating extremists, fighting terrorism and bolstering its economy,CNN quoted U.S.official as saying.
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