El-Sisi meets with head of US Central Command

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during a news conference in Cairo, Egypt, December 11, 2017. (Reuters)

• El-Sisi said Egypt looks forward to developing bilateral cooperation in all areas in the face of common challenges in the region
• McKenzie said the US will continue to coordinate with Egypt on regional issues, and praised Cairo’s efforts against terrorism and extremism

CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and visiting Commander of US Central Command Kenneth McKenzie on Monday explored ways to strengthen military, security and counterterrorism cooperation.
El-Sisi said Egypt looks forward to developing bilateral cooperation in all areas in the face of common challenges in the region.
McKenzie said the US will continue to coordinate with Egypt on regional issues, and praised Cairo’s efforts against terrorism and extremism.
They reviewed the latest regional developments, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and eastern Mediterranean. 
Mohamed Farid, chief of staff of Egypt’s Armed Forces, also met McKenzie and his accompanying delegation.
Tamer Al-Rifai, spokesman for Egypt’s Armed Forces, said: “The meeting dealt with the exchange of visions on a number of regional and international issues … to achieve common interests in establishing security and stability.”
He added: “The delegation confirmed the depth of Egyptian-American relations, and expressed its pride with partnerships that link the armed forces of both countries.”