Egypt's general intelligence registers Washington lobbyist
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Egyptian intelligence has hired a US public relations firm to lobby on the country's behalf in Washington and boost its image, the first such engagement by part of the country's powerful security apparatus to be made public.
A filing dated Jan. 28 and seen by The Associated Press on the Department of Justice website Sunday showed that Egypt hired public relations firm Weber Shandwick and released details of the registration to comply with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938.
The contract shows that Weber Shandwick will assist Egypt in promoting its "strategic partnership with the United States," highlighting its economic development, showcasing its civil society and publicizing Egypt's "leading role in managing regional risks" in an agreement worth $1.2 million annually. All points are issues President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's government is keen to portray in a positive light in its interactions with foreign powers, especially a key ally such as the United States that sends some $1.3 billion in annual military aid.
