US embassy press secretary Sam Werberg announced that the US State Department plans to reduce its consulate staff in Alexandria within the following year and that it will eventually close down.
The US State Department is constantly reviewing and assessing the US diplomatic presence, Werberg said in a statement.
He told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the US State Department recognizes the historic importance of Alexandria and its importance in Egypt’s economic future, but that the State Department has decided to close the consulate in Alexandria to consolidate activities in Egypt.
He added that the decision was made months ago.
Werberg also told Al-Masry Al-Youm that the US is proud of its long presence in the city of Alexandria, adding that the US State Department would continue to work actively with the people of Alexandria and other northern provinces after the closure of the consulate through its embassy in Cairo.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
