The United States and Egypt, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a bilateral assistance agreement amendment worth $6m, according to a statement by the US embassy on Monday.

The new signing demonstrates continued support from the US for joint US-Egypt priorities, the statement said, adding that this agreement will increase educational opportunities and strengthen the livelihoods of the people of North Sinai.

By signing this amendment, the total value of the North Sinai bilateral assistance agreement reaches $56m, according to the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation.

The amendment to the North Sinai bilateral assistance agreement supports the Egyptian government’s efforts to spur inclusive economic development in the governorate. Through this agreement, the USAID will build on previous investments in North Sinai including the provision of potable water to 300,000 residents and wastewater services to 100,000 residents.

New activities under this amendment will provide access to transportation for rural communities and economic livelihood programming for families, the statement mentioned.

“This agreement reflects our strong and enduring partnership with the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation and the US government’s commitment to the people of Egypt, especially for critical economic development efforts in the Sinai,” said US Ambassador Jonathan Cohen.

This latest support for Egypt’s priorities in the North Sinai is part of a four decades long partnership between the American and Egyptian people, to bolster self-reliance, foster stability, promote economic growth, and reduce poverty.

USAID’s programme in Egypt, totaling over $30bn since 1978, promotes a healthy, educated, and employed population.