President Trump welcomed Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to the White House on Monday, and vowed to fight terrorism alongside the North African nation and be a “great friend” to el-Sissi.
“We agree on so many things. I just want to let everybody know in case there was any doubt that we are very much behind President el-Sissi,” Trump said before a bilateral meeting with the Egyptian leader. “He’s done a fantastic job in a very difficult situation. We are very much behind Egypt and the people of Egypt. The United States has, believe me, backing, and we have strong backing.”
“You have a great friend and ally in the United States and in me,” Trump added.
El-Sissi returned Trump’s warm welcome, telling the president through a translator that he has “a deep appreciation and admiration of your unique personality” and expressing support for his “very strong” dedication to fighting terrorism.
The Obama administration and el-Sissi had a strained relationship after Mohamed Morsi, elected Egyptian president and Muslim Brotherhood member, was overthrown and el-Sissi came to power. The White House has said Trump’s meetings with el-Sissi this week are partly aimed at repairing the U.S. relationship with Egypt.
“We will fight terrorism and other things. We’re going to be friends for a long long period of time. We have a great bond with the people of Egypt,” Trump said on Monday. “I look forward to a very long and strong relationship.”
