(Ecofin Agency) - Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt for talks to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Despite human rights violation accusations, Washington continues its military partnership with Cairo.

The U.S. State Department has approved a $740 million sale of Stinger missiles to Egypt, an official statement revealed.

The deal includes 720 Stinger missiles and 20 product verification flight test (PVFT) munitions. The aim is to "improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic growth in the Middle East," the State Department said.

This announcement comes just a week after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Egypt, which aimed to reinforce ties between the two nations.

As the most populous Arab country, Egypt has been a key strategic partner for the U.S., despite ongoing accusations of human rights abuses under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egypt's critical geostrategic location in North Africa, including control of the heavily trafficked Suez Canal, and its relationships with Israel and Palestine make it an important ally for security and trade in both Africa and the Arab world.

"The proposed sale will improve Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing Egypt’s ability to defend itself against regional malign actors and improve interoperability with systems operated by U.S. forces and other regional security partners," U.S. officials noted. They added that Egypt's continued investment in defense is vital for protecting its borders, infrastructure, and citizens.

The primary contractor for this arms deal is U.S. company RTX Corporation. However, the U.S. Congress still has the power to oppose the sale, which could be one of the last major arms deals under the Biden administration before the November presidential election.