U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

STATEMENT BY MORGAN ORTAGUS, SPOKESPERSON

April 30, 2019

Celebration of 40 Years of Peace between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Israel

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo hosted a ceremony today to celebrate and commemorate forty years of peace between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Israel. The March 26, 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin with then-President Jimmy Carter at the White House was one of the greatest diplomatic accomplishments of the 20th century.

The Secretary welcomed distinguished guests to today’s ceremony, including Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer and Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Yasser Reda. The Secretary commended Egypt and Israel on this courageous diplomatic achievement, which took will and sacrifice, and recognized both countries’ strong commitment to an enduring peace. The negotiations leading up to the treaty ushered in a new level of dialogue and cooperation, and laid the groundwork for a safer and more stable region. The Secretary also recognized the contribution of the Multinational Force and Observers, the treaty parties, and donor countries from around the world.

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