“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”

It gives me great pleasure today to visit the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, one of the oldest military institutions in the world. I am also pleased to meet U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin.

On this occasion, as President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, I affirm my keenness to consolidate the distinguished historical relations between Egypt and the United States, for the benefit of the Egyptian and American peoples. I hope that my current visit represents a new step on the road to strengthening the ties that have always brought our two countries together and enhancing joint cooperation in all fields, for the benefit of our peoples and countries.

I sincerely thank you for the warm welcome and wish the friendly United States all peace and advancement and further progress and prosperity.