The Egyptian government expressed its surprise on Thursday regarding the US decision to halt some military and economic aid to Egypt.

"The cabinet is astonished by the United States' decision on Wednesday to halt some of its military aid to Egypt at this critical moment when Egypt is fighting terrorism," read the statement released after a Thursday cabinet meeting.

The cabinet statement stressed that Egypt will continue to implement the transitional roadmap established by the country's political powers, in addition to its mandate to fight terrorism.

The Thursday cabinet meeting was led by Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawy.

On Wednesday, Washington announced it would withhold deliveries of tanks, fighter aircraft, helicopters and missiles as well as $260 million in cash aid from the military-backed government, pending progress in the areas of democracy and human rights. However, the US capital said it would continue its support for counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation and security in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

The US also promised to continue funding education, health and private sector development.

Earlier Thursday, Egypt's foreign ministry spokesman said that the US decision to halt some aid to Egypt was 'wrong.'

Egypt is the second-largest recipient of US aid after Israel.