WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced a resolution commemorating the 40^thanniversary of signing of the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty.

The Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed on March 26, 1979, ending 31 years of war between the two nations. It was the culmination of months of negotiations that began when Muhammad Anwar al-Sadat, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Menachem Begin, Prime Minister of Israel, met with President Jimmy Carter at Camp David, Maryland from September 5 to September 17, 1978. The “Camp David Accords”—which were signed at the conclusion of that twelve-day meeting—served as the framework for the treaty. Forty years later, Egypt and Israel continue to enjoy a strong and peaceful bilateral relationship.

“The Camp David Accords and resulting peace treaty are an enduring achievement that serve as a reminder that lasting peace in the region can be achieved. It should also remind us the positive impact the U.S. can have when it remains fully engaged in settling conflicts. Our relationship with both nations is stronger now than ever, as a result of the extensive efforts on the part of American diplomats to bring the parties to the table. They set an example for the world in seeking peaceful and long-lasting resolutions to conflicts,” Boozman said.

“Forty years ago, Israel and Egypt showed that lasting peace between adversaries should never be seen as an impossibility,” Enzi said.“The Camp David Accords and peace treaty stand not only as a reminder of the power of diplomacy, but also the benefit that the United States can provide when it leads the way forward on the world stage. Their legacy should be a beacon of hope for all those who understand that focusing on the common good can provide prosperity for all those involved.”

Specifically, the resolution:

• Congratulates the governments and people of Egypt and Israel for 40 years of peace based on the Camp David Accords;
  
  
• Encourages the governments of Egypt and Israel to serve as examples of honest statesmanship and peacebuilding;
  
  
• Commends the example set for the world in seeking peaceful and long-lasting resolutions to conflict; and
  
  
• Requests the President to issue a proclamation to observe the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and programs.