EGYPT WELCOMES PROPOSAL TO INITIATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 008543 SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/RA (EYTHAN SONTAG) E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2015 TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL PGOV EG SUBJECT: EGYPT WELCOMES PROPOSAL TO INITIATE NONPROLIFERATION BILATS REF: STATE 202037 Classified by ECPO Minister Counselor Michael Corbin for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). (C) Poloff delivered reftel message proposing the start of nonproliferation bilateral discussions with Egypt to MFA's Director of the Office of Disarmament Dr. Hossam Aly. Dr. Aly reacted positively to the proposal and noted that Egypt is also initiating such discussions with the UK and Japan. Dr. Aly will provide feedback on the proposed dates as soon as he checks the FM's calendar. Regarding the agenda, Dr. Aly promised to review this as well and will provide Egypt's formal response to the agenda proposal in the near future. Post appreciates the Department's initiative on this issue and agrees that a more productive bilateral dialogue may enhance our ability to cooperate with Egypt on our broader security agenda. RICCIARDONE