Scalise Delegation Meets With Egyptian and Greek Leaders on Regional Security and Economic Development Efforts

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today returned from leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to Egypt and Greece. The delegation met with each country’s president and other top government officials to discuss America’s bilateral relationship with the two countries in regards to regional security, economic development and the migrant crisis.

Rep. Scalise led a bipartisan delegation in discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Mahmoud Hegazy, U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft and others. The delegation underscored America’s commitment to Egypt’s security and stability, and reiterated support for Egypt in its fight against terrorism.

“Egypt is a crucial ally in the global fight against terror,” Scalise said. “Egypt’s strong commitment to increasing regional stability, developing new energy resources, growing a healthy Egyptian economy, and fighting terrorists sends a strong signal to our allies in the region and serves as an example for other countries in what is an increasingly hostile and tumultuous part of the world. We look forward to continuing our friendship and working to make our relationship stronger.

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The delegation meets with Egyptian President al-Sisi

While in Greece, the delegation met with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos the day after their legislative elections. They also met with U.S. Ambassador David Pearce, Capt. Michael Moore, Commanding Officer of NSA Souda Bay, and Greek experts on defense, counterterrorism and intelligence, economic development and energy. The delegation’s focus was on regional security, Greece’s role and response to the migrant crisis, and economic stability.

“The historic and long-lasting friendship the United States has with Greece is anchored by our shared values and democratic principles,” Scalise said. “Since the beginning of history, Greece has played a central role shaping global events and they continue to do so today. It was an honor to meet with Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos on the historic occasion of the swearing in of the newly elected prime minister and his entire cabinet. We congratulate the people of Greece on the successful completion of this week’s parliamentary elections. It is our hope that the newly elected government will ensure the successful implementation of the agreed upon economic reforms so that Greece and its people may enjoy a strong and secure future.”

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The delegation meets with Greek President Pavlopoulos

The delegation also met with General Frank Gorenc, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Africa, and Commander of the NATO Allied Air Command to discuss force structure, readiness, and capacity in regards to how they’ve been affected by continuing resolutions and sequestration.

The delegation included Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD), Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL), and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga).