United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, has met with Egypt’s foreign minister, Nabil Fahmy, on Sunday, November 3 to express the American government’s readiness to support Egypt in restoration of democracy.
This is the highest level visit from the US since President Muhamad Mursi’s removal.
He said Cairo was a vital partner, apparently trying to repair ties, which are strained by the partial freeze in US following the coup that ousted Mursi.
Earlier this year, Washington froze part of the $1.5bn it gives in annual aid to Egypt because of a lack of democratic progress and violence against supporters of the Islamist President Mursi.
He said “We want to help. We’re prepared to do so. And the way it will unfold as democracy is rekindled in its strength and as the people of Egypt make their choices in the future, I am confident the United States of America will be able to stand with you, and do even more.”
Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, also indicated intent to restore democracy.
“I’d like to see the roadmap completed within the 9 to 12 months’ time period that it’s set to deliver. And that creates the institutions of a democratic government. I think if we succeed in doing that, 3 to 5 years you’d have a mature democracy.
Kerry also called on Egypt to make its trials more transparent. The Secretary’s visit comes just a day before Mursi is due to appear in court on charges of inciting violence.
Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco are among the countries listed on the itinerary of Kerry’s tour of countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
