Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks in Washington late Wednesday with his US counterpart John Kerry, spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said Thursday.

During the meeting, a landmark bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on cultural property protection was signed, Abu Zeid added. 

Under the agreement, the US will impose restrictions on archaeological material representing Egypt’s cultural heritage to prevent the illegal trade in Egyptian artefacts, he said.

The meeting also addressed several issues, including Libya, Syria, Yemen and Palestine, he added.

The two top diplomats also addressed bilateral relations as Shoukry posted Kerry on details regarding Egypt’s economic and social reform programs and the relevant measures taken by the government.

The meeting dwelt on regional developments, he said, noting that Shoukry reviewed Cairo’s viewpoints regarding ways to settle the continued crises in Libya and Syria.

As for the Palestinian cause, the Egyptian top diplomat reaffirmed the country’s stance in support of France’s peace initiative and highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts to encourage the Palestinians and Israelis to return to the negotiations table in accordance with international resolutions, according the spokesman.