CAIRO: Commander of the CENTCOM General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr said that Iran is the greatest threat to the CENTCOM in region, adding that It is exporting terrorism and making the ballistic missiles, wishing it could change to be a responsible member.
He said this in an interview with “Yahdoth Fi Masr” talk show on MBC Masr channel.
McKenzie continued that the Central Command is working with allies to improve the military air defense against Iranian ballistic missiles.
The commander said that Egypt is one of the most important countries in the United States Central Command (CENTCOM)’s area of responsibility.
He said that Egypt occupies a key point in the eastern part at the central command responsibility as it controls the Suez Canal where the US ships have no any security issues when passing through the canal.
McKenzie paid a one-day visit to Egypt on February 22, 2021, when he met with President Abdel Fatah El Sisi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mohamed Farid Hegazy and U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Arab Republic of Egypt Jonathan R. Cohen.
“My visit here came as an opportunity to have great knowing with the Chief of Defense and had an opportunity to spend a lot of time with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi,” he said, adding that their meeting has underlined the important military relationship between the two countries.
Additionally, Egypt is a key member of the international coalition against terrorism and ISIS for many years, he said.
McKenzie said that the Egyptian role is pivotal in supporting regional peace and security, specifying Egypt’s endeavors to combat terrorism and extremism.
Both parties agreed to continue regular coordination and consultation over matters of mutual interest.
