Egypt’s Sisi, US defence minister Mattis tackle military cooperation, counterterrorism

Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi  received US Secretary of Defence James Mattis in Cairo on Saturday to discuss consolidating bilateral cooperation, countering terrorism, and restoring stability in the Middle East, according to presidency spokesperson.

El-Sisi stressed the strength of US-Egyptian strategic relations, highlighting the importance of consolidating cooperation between the two countries in several fields, especially militarily.

Mattis stressed his country’s understanding of Egypt’s position as a key pillar of stability in the Middle East.

The US defence minister also expressed his country’s support for Egypt in the war against terrorism, and extended condolences for the victims of the terrorist attack on Al-Rawda Mosque in North Sinai last month, which killed 311 worshippers, including 27 children.

El-Sisi and Mattis also discussed regional and international challenges, with the president renewing his call for the international community to unite and intensify efforts to eliminate the roots of terrorism and help achieve political solutions for the different conflicts in the region in way that preserves the sovereignty of nations and their territorial integrity.

The meeting was attended by Egypt’s defence minister Sedky Sobhi and top US military officials.

Sobhi met with Mattis earlier in the day to discuss the latest regional and international developments.

Source: Ahram Online