“The two leaders renewed their commitment to the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue that isco-chaired by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and welcomed the continued implementation of its outcomes,” the joint statement read.

Both Biden and El-Sisi expressed their intention to meet again in the near future to further enhance the two countries’ multi-faceted partnership, according to the statement.

The meeting between El-Sisi and Biden in Jeddah is the first meeting between the two presidents since Biden took the office in January 2021.

According to the joint statement, President Biden reiterated in the meeting that the US aims to continue to support Egypt in providing for its own defence, including through the continued provision of security assistance in consultation with the US Congress.

Concerning economic cooperation, both presidents agreed to explore new ways to expand bilateral trade, increase private sector investments, and collaborate on clean energy and climate technology.

Furthermore, they welcomed the recent US GreenTech Mission to Egypt and committed to launch the high-level Joint Economic Commission.

Regarding the impact of war in Ukraine, the two presidents emphasised the need to refrain from the use of force, solve conflicts by peaceful means, and end violations of human rights in conflict areas. 

“The US and Egypt share particular concerns over the severe global consequences that stem from the war in Ukraine, including on global supply chains and energy and commodity prices,” the joint statement said. 

Egypt, the world's biggest wheat importer, was greatly impacted in wheat supply when Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.

Last year, Egypt received 80 percent of its wheat imports from Russia and Ukraine due to its high quality, competitive pricing, and geographical proximity.

Egypt imports 12 to 13 million tons of wheat per year, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity in 2020 — an online data visualisation platform that focuses on the geography and dynamics of economic activities across the globe.

“President Biden underscored the US’ support for the Egyptian people in responding to these challenges,” the statement read, adding that the US commends Egypt’s consultations with the International Monetary Fund and supports the provision of additional funding to Egypt through the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust. 

“The US also lends its full support to Egypt’s engagement with the World Bank to seek financing options to stabilise its economy and strengthen the well-being of Egyptian households through the Crisis Response Finance Package recently announced by the bank,” The statement added.

According to the statement, Biden announced that the US is providing $1 billion in new assistance to address the food security situation in the Middle East, with $50 million specifically set aside for Egypt. 

“These funds aim to bolster food security and offset the effects of the disruption in agricultural supply chains and higher food prices due to the blocking of ports.” The statement said, adding that the US president assured his Egyptian counterpart that the states will advocate for Egypt and its food security needs.

Concerning regional issues, both leaders stressed that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and to realize a secure, prosperous, and dignified future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. 

“President Biden expressed support for Egypt’s vital leadership and historic role in promoting peace and an end to the conflict, thereby expanding the circle of peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours and globally, as well as preserving sustainable calm between Israelis and Palestinians,” said the statement, referring to the ceasefire agreement Egypt reached between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza in May 2021.

Regarding the Libyan issue, both Sisi and Biden underscored the need to implement the related-United National Security Council resolutions issued in 2021, reaffirming the necessity of holding presidential and parliamentary elections in tandem as soon as possible in Libya. 

“They emphasised the importance of the full withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries, foreign fighters, and the pivotal role of the 5+5 Joint Military Committee in this regard, including the prompt development of timelines.” The statement said.

Furthermore, during the meeting in Jeddah, President Biden thanked President El-Sisi for Egypt’s role in helping to consolidate a truce in Yemen, particularly through facilitating commercial flights from Sana’a to Cairo in May, which is an important component of the UN-mediated truce arrangement. 

Regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), President Biden reiterated the US’ support for Egypt’s water security and to forging a diplomatic resolution that would achieve the interests of all parties and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region. 

“The two leaders reiterated the imperative of concluding an agreement on the filling and operation of the GERD without further delay as stipulated in the Statement of the President of the UNSC dated September 15, 2021, and in accordance with international law.”

Issued in September 2021, the Presidential Statement of the UNSC called for signing a mutually accepted and legally binding agreement on the filing and operation of GERD within a reasonable timeframe.

Egypt and Sudan welcomed the statement at the time, while Ethiopia slammed it.

Additionally, the two presidents committed also to regular consultations between Egypt and the US to resolve regional conflicts and humanitarian crises in Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan. 

When it comes to human rights, Biden and El-Sisi emphasised their mutual commitment to a constructive dialogue on human rights, which is an integral component of the strong US-Egypt partnership. 

“They will continue to consult closely on ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in political, civil, economic, social, and cultural fields,” the statement said, adding that the two leaders reaffirmed the important role that civil society can play in these areas.
 
Additionally, Biden and El-Sisi discussed the upcoming 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which Egypt will chair in Sharm El-Sheikh this November.

“The US welcomes Egypt’s leadership in accelerating global ambition and action to tackle the climate crisis,” The joint statement said, adding that the US President welcomed Egypt’s submission of its updated nationally determined contributions (NDC). 

Both leaders also emphasised their countries’ support for the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and the new GMP Energy Pathway, which Egypt has joined with respect to the oil and gas sector. 

Moreover, they reaffirmed the US and Egypt’s new partnership on adaptation in Africa, which they will co-lead and is focused on delivering concrete initiatives that will improve people’s lives and help build resilience to a changing climate. 

Finally, the two leaders committed to convene the Joint US-Egypt Climate Working Group as soon as possible.