Egypt’s top diplomat says the country’s relationship with the United States is in “turmoil” after the Obama administration suspended delivery of helicopters, fighter jets, and tanks.
Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy lamented the “unrest in relations” in an interview with the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper published on Wednesday. The United States made its first move to scale back military aid last week, months after the Egyptian military deposed President Mohamed Morsi.
But Fahmy added that he’s “not worried about this turmoil in relations,” and that it’s an opportunity to “better evaluate” the relationship between the two countries.
The U.S. is also withholding $260 million in aid to Cairo until “credible progress” is made toward free and fair elections and an inclusive government.