EGYPT, the cradle of western civilization, has a recorded history of over 5,000 years.  It is here that our own civilization finds its roots.  The pyramids and pharaonic Egypt are an early chapter in every textbook on western civilization, but for many of us, it is our last encounter with Egypt.

Here is a country that is geographically and strategically essential to the United States.  Yet, it is a country about which we know painfully little.  Modern Egypt is a vibrant place with dynamic and friendly people.  These proud people, like Americans, have a strong desire to know more about us.

During the past three decades, American and Egyptian interests have created strong economic and political ties, thus making mutual understanding and cooperation even more important if we are to achieve our goals of peace and stability in the Middle East and throughout the world.

The special relationship that binds the United States and Egypt necessitated the creation of independent channels to run parallel with the governmental channels to assist, support, complement and add to government efforts in all fields of cooperation.  To this end, the American Egyptian Cooperation Foundation (AECF) was established in 1987 to improve mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the United States and Egypt across a wide range of activities including cultural, educational, scientific, public relations and economic areas.  AECF was officially incorporated in the State of Virginia as a U.S. Corporation on February 27, 1987 and is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code 501 (c)(6).