WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2017 — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Sedki Sobhy emphasized the importance of strong U.S.-Egyptian cooperation for stability in the Middle East during their telephone conversation yesterday, according to a Defense Department statement.

Mattis offered his condolences for the Egyptian soldiers who lost their lives in the Oct. 15 militant attacks on military outposts in the North Sinai region, the release said.

U.S.-Egyptian Defense Partnership

The secretary also expressed his deep commitment to advancing the U.S.-Egyptian defense partnership, particularly in the shared fight against terrorism, according to the release.

The two leaders discussed the success of the Bright Star 2017 exercise that was conducted in Egypt last month, the release said. This year’s exercise, they said, contributed toward the updating of joint exercises to address 21st-century threats.

Mattis also underlined the value the United States places in its bilateral relationship with Egypt, and Egypt's critical role in regional leadership, the release said.