The Egyptian government approved on Tuesday an amendment to a bilateral assistance agreement signed through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) worth $6 million to increase educational opportunities and strengthen the livelihoods of the people of North Sinai.

"The amendment to the North Sinai bilateral assistance agreement supports the Egyptian government’s efforts to spur inclusive economic development in the governorate. Through this agreement, USAID will build on previous investments in North Sinai on the provision of potable water to 300,000 residents and wastewater services to 100,000 residents. New activities under this amendment will provide access to transportation for rural communities and economic livelihood programming for families," the US Embassy in Cairo said in a statement upon the signing of the agreement last December.

According to US Ambassador Jonathan Cohen, the agreement reflects the US’ strong and enduring partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation and the US government’s commitment to the people of Egypt, especially for critical economic development efforts in Sinai.

"This latest support for Egypt’s priorities in North Sinai is part of the four decades of partnership between the American and Egyptian people, to bolster self-reliance, foster stability, promote economic growth, and reduce poverty," the embassy said.

The USAID programme in Egypt, totaling over $30 billion since 1978, promotes a healthy, educated, and employed population.

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