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More information about Egypt is available on the Egypt Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-EGYPT RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Egypt in 1922, following its independence from protectorate status under the United Kingdom. The United States and Egypt share a relationship based on mutual interest in Middle East peace and stability, revitalizing the Egyptian economy and strengthening trade relations, and promoting regional security. Egypt has been a key U.S. partner in ensuring regional stability and on a wide range of common security issues, including Middle East peace and countering terrorism.
Egypt’s historic transition to democracy, launched in early 2011, will have a profound impact on the political future, not only of Egypt, but also the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at large. Supporting a successful transition to democracy and economic stability in Egypt, one that protects the basic rights of its citizens and fulfills the aspirations of the Egyptian people, will continue to be a core objective of U.S. policy toward Egypt. A prosperous and democratic Egypt, buoyed by economic growth and a strong private sector, can be an anchor of stability for the MENA region.
U.S. Assistance to Egypt
U.S. assistance to Egypt has long played a central role in Egypt’s economic and military development, and in furthering the strategic partnership. With Egypt embarking on a transition to democracy, U.S. support can bolster Egypt’s nascent democratic system and achieve inclusive economic growth. U.S. assistance supports Egyptian efforts to protect civil liberties and human rights, introduce transparency and accountability in government, foster economic growth and democratic institutions, and develop a robust, independent civil society.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Egypt has one of the most diversified economies in the Middle East. U.S. exports to Egypt include wheat and corn, mineral fuel and oil, machinery, aircraft, and iron and steel products. U.S. imports from Egypt include apparel, natural gas and oil, fertilizers, textile coverings, and agricultural products. Under the Qualifying Industrial Zone agreement, the United States waives duties on imports from Egypt if the value includes 10.5% Israeli content; this program is meant to promote stronger ties between the region's peace partners. Egypt and the United States have signed a trade and investment framework agreement, a step toward creating freer trade and increasing investment flows. The two also have a bilateral investment treaty that provides for fair, equitable, and nondiscriminatory treatment for investors of both nations.
Egypt's Membership in International Organizations
Egypt and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Egypt also is a Partner for Cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, an observer to the Organization of American States, and a non-party state to the International Criminal Court.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Egypt is Anne W. Patterson; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Egypt maintains an embassy in the United States at 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC, 20008 (tel. 202-895-5400).
More information about Egypt is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Egypt Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Egypt Page
U.S. Embassy: Egypt
USAID Egypt Page
History of U.S. Relations With Egypt
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information
