President Obama resumes military shipments, aid to Egypt

WASHINGTON, April 1 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama will resume military shipments and aid to Egypt in an effort to improve relations since imposing an arms freeze in October 2013.

The United States will supply Egypt with 12 F-16 fighter jets, 20 Harpoon missiles and up a to 125 M1A1 Abrams tank kits. The delivery of the military equipment was suspended after a military-backed coup ousted former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.

Obama spoke with Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi on Tuesday. Obama told a-Sisi that he will continue the request of an annual $1.3 billion in military assistance to Egypt.

Obama also said that military assistance to Egypt will be channeled into four categories: counterterrorism, border security, maritime security and Sinai (Peninsula) security.

The United States will also help in the maintenance of Egypt's current arsenal.

The White House released a statement:

"The President explained that these and other steps will help refine our military assistance relationship so that it is better positioned to address the shared challenges to U.S. and Egyptian interests in an unstable region, consistent with the longstanding strategic partnership between our two countries. President Obama also reiterated U.S. concerns about Egypt's continued imprisonment of non-violent activists and mass trials."

Obama encouraged more respect for freedom of speech and assembly, stating these issues are a "focus" for the United States.

The two leaders also discussed the developments in Yemen, where Egypt is part of a Saudi-led, 10-member coalition against Houthi rebels.

"The United States has had a decades-long strategic relationship with Egypt," a statement said. "Since the August 2013 Egyptian government crackdown, we have made clear our commitment to simultaneously pursuing our security interests and our support for meaningful Egyptian political reform."