Egypt's Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi discussed US-Egyptian cooperation with a delegation of US Congressmen currently visiting Cairo, a military statement said Thursday.

Sobhi highlighted strategic ties between Cairo and Washington and bilateral efforts to combat attempts at undermining security and stability in the region, the statement said.

The delegation, headed by US Republican Representative Darrell Issa, discussed Egypt's fight against terrorism and Cairo's efforts in regional and international issues of mutual interest, the statement added.

Egypt is one of Washington’s strongest allies in the Middle East, receiving $1.3 billion in US military aid and about $200 million in economic assistance annually.