The United States and Egypt convened for the 35th annual U.S.-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee (MCC) in Washington, D.C. on October 23-24, 2024. The event was co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East Daniel B. Shapiro and Egypt's Assistant Minister of Defense for Foreign Relations Major General Walaa Bibers.

This year's meeting built upon the strategic forum held last year in Cairo. The MCC served to reinforce the strong defense partnership between the two nations through discussions aimed at enhancing security cooperation and addressing shared regional concerns. Key topics included critical security assistance programs and regional security challenges such as conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, threats from Houthi groups to global commerce in the Red Sea, and destabilizing activities by Iran and its backed terrorist groups.

Both delegations agreed on the significance of improving regional security integration and strengthening military cooperation between the United States and Egypt.

During the meeting, DASD Shapiro expressed appreciation for Egypt's ongoing efforts in facilitating hostage release from Gaza and promoting ceasefire talks. He also acknowledged Egypt's role in reducing regional tensions. Shapiro reiterated that "the United States seeks a diplomatic resolution along the Israel-Lebanon border that would allow civilians on both sides to return safely to their homes," emphasizing objectives like "the release of all hostages held by Hamas" and increasing humanitarian aid delivery.

Both DASD Shapiro and Major General Bibers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a robust bilateral strategic relationship focused on preserving stability in the region.