President Donald Trump welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to The White House on April 3, the first visit by an Egyptian president to Washington since 2009.
The two leaders met to discuss how the United States and Egypt can work together to address the spread of extremism, terrorism, and violence in the Middle East, as well as build stronger and more resilient economies and societies across the region.
“It’s great to be with the President of Egypt. President al-Sisi has been somebody that’s been very close to me from the first time I met him,” President Trump said. “We are very much behind President al-Sisi. He’s done a fantastic job in a very difficult situation. We are very much behind Egypt and the people of Egypt. And I just want to say to you, Mr. President, that you have a great friend and ally in the United States and in me.
President al-Sisi responded by saying, “Since we met last September, I’ve had a deep appreciation and admiration of your unique personality, especially as you are standing very strong in the counterterrorism field to counter this evil ideology that is claiming innocent lives, that is bringing devastation to communities and nations, and that is terrorizing innocent people.
“You will find in Egypt and myself always beside you in this, in bringing about an effective strategy in the counterterrorism,” said President al-Sisi.
President Trump responded by saying, “We will do that together. We will fight terrorism and other things, and we’re going to be friends for a long, long period of time. We have a great bond with the people of Egypt, and I look forward to working with the President.”
During his visit to Washington, the Egyptian president is also meeting with Congress and the U.S. business community.
Read the full White House Statement.
Read the full transcript of the meeting.
Mon, Apr. 3, 2017
