Antony Blinken calls for Egypt to release more political detainees ahead of Cop27

US secretary of state praises country for freeing prisoners during call with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the release of 'significant numbers of political detainees' in Egypt over the past few months, the state department said. Reuters

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Egypt for freeing political detainees and urged the country to consider more pardons during a call with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday.

The pair also discussed climate change, just days before the start of the global climate summit, Cop27, in Egypt.

More than 90 world leaders including US President Joe Biden will be in the country for the summit, which takes place from November 6 to 18.

Mr Blinken welcomed the release of "significant numbers of political detainees" over the past few months, the state department said.

He "voiced support for additional such pardons and releases, as well as for steps to strengthen due process of law and protections for fundamental freedoms for all".

He said co-operation between the US and Egypt "is strengthened by tangible progress on human rights".

The newly revamped city centre of Sharm El Sheikh, the city which this year is hosting the United Nations climate change conference Cop27.

An decorative installation in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh. The government has developed the city extensively ahead of Cop27.

A pair of decorative statues displayed on the streets of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Kamal Tabikha / The National

A cartoon depiction of a Bedouin woman, part of a new promotional campaign in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh ahead of Cop27. Kamal Tabikha / The National

A promotional poster at Sharm El Sheikh airport, part of a wave of beautification the city has undergone recently as it prepares for Cop27. Kamal Tabikha / The National

An installation depicting two boats in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh. Kamal Tabikha / The National

An decorative installation in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh. The government has developed the city extensively ahead of Cop27.

A statue of a winged seahorse on Sharm El Sheikh's Al Salam Road. Kamal Tabikha / The National

An installation of a life-size chess board in the Red Sea city of Sharm El Sheikh. Kamal Tabikha / The National

Mr Blinken and Mr Shoukry discussed shared efforts to advance regional peace, including support for elections in Libya.

They also spoke about dignity for Israelis and Palestinians.

Mr Biden will travel to Egypt to participate in the Cop27 climate summit on November 11, the White House said in late October.

“At Cop27, he will build on the significant work the United States has undertaken to advance the global climate fight and help the most vulnerable build resilience to climate impacts, and he will highlight the need for the world to act,” the White House said.