Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper spoke with Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Mohamad Zaki today to discuss the enduring strategic defense relationship between the United States and Egypt.

The leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues including continued defense cooperation, Egypt’s participation in the U.S. National Guard’s’ State Partnership Program, and the two countries’ efforts to stem the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary Esper committed to work closely with Minister Zaki as Egypt modernizes its armed forces, including opportunities to tailor security cooperation to meet Egypt’s threat environment and to enhance U.S.-Egypt interoperability. This commitment symbolizes the enduring strength of the U.S.-Egypt relationship.

Secretary Esper and Minister Zaki also discussed Egypt’s participation in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The program partners U.S. National Guard forces from across the 50 states with the armed forces of participating countries in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship. Today, Secretary Esper congratulated Minister Zaki on Egypt’s participation in the program and on the Egyptian Armed Forces’ pairing with the Texas National Guard.

Next, the two leaders spoke about the respective challenges and initiatives associated with their nations’ continued fight against COVID-19. Secretary Esper expressed his regret that his planned travel to Egypt was postponed due to the virus. The Secretary also conveyed his appreciation for Egypt’s recent donation of Personal Protective Equipment and other medical supplies to the United States.

Esper concluded the call by reiterating the U.S. commitment to its strategic partnership with Egypt and expressing thanks to Minister Zaki for his efforts to foster the important bilateral relationship.