Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi completed his meetings with both US Presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton at his place of residence in New York City.
“The whole world is suffering from the crisis of extremist thought,” said President Sisi in his meeting with Trump, according to reporters who were briefly allowed in the room during the meeting.
In a press release, the Trump campaign said the meeting with Sisi also included Senator Jeff Sessions and Lieutenant-General Michael Flynn, two of Trump’s senior advisors.
“Mr. Trump thanked President el-Sisi and the Egyptian people for what they have done in defense of their country and for the betterment of the world over the last few years,” read the statement released by the Trump campaign.
“Mr. Trump expressed to President el-Sisi his strong support for Egypt’s war on terrorism, and how under a Trump Administration, the United States of America will be a loyal friend, not simply an ally, that Egypt can count on in the days and years ahead,” continued the statement.
“Mr. Trump highlighted how Egypt and the U.S. share a common enemy and the importance of working together in defeating radical Islamic terrorism, not only politically and militarily, but also addressing the ideology.”
Touching on Trump’s comments on Muslims and Islam, the statement said that Trump expressed his high regard for “peace-loving Muslims”.
“Mr. Trump emphasized to President el-Sisi his high regard for peace-loving Muslims and understands that every day there are people of goodwill that sacrifice their lives and fortunes to combat the growing threat of radical Islamic terrorism,” read the press release.
“Mr. Trump said that if he were fortunate enough to win the election in November, he would invite President el-Sisi on an official visit to the United States and would be honored to visit Egypt and the Egyptian people who he has a great fondness for.”
Compared to Clinton’s meeting with Sisi, no human rights issues or concerns appear to have been raised by Trump.
No further information from the meeting with Trump is currently available as press were only allowed access for a short period of time. Egypt’s presidency is yet to release a statement regarding the meeting.
Clinton Meets Sisi Again
Meanwhile, in their meeting, Clinton and Sisi discussed bilateral relations between the United States and Egypt, said Clinton’s spokesperson in a press release.
“Secretary Clinton emphasized the importance of respect for rule of law and human rights to Egypt’s future progress,” read the statement, adding that Clinton raised the issue of Aya Hijazy, a US citizen who is detained on charges related to running a local foundation for street children.
“Secretary Clinton called for the release of U.S. citizen Aya Hijazi and raised concerns about prosecution of Egyptian human rights organizations and activists,” said the statement.
Nevertheless, Clinton appeared to underscore the United States’ support for Egypt’s counter-terrorism and diplomatic efforts in the region.
“Secretary Clinton underscored the importance of the Egyptian cooperation with Israel on counter-terrorism, and her commitment to defeating ISIS, to addressing foreign fighters, and to countering radicalization,” continued the statement.
President Sisi previously met with Clinton in 2014 along with other top US officials including President Obama.
The Egyptian president is currently in New York to attend the 71st session of the UN General Assembly.
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[…] Clinton and Trump discussed with Sisi bilateral relations between the US and Egypt, with Trump promising that the US will be a “loyal friend” to Egypt and speaking of the importance of the two countries working together to face terrorism. Meanwhile, Clinton also emphasized the importance of Egypt’s cooperation with Israel on the issue of counterterrorism, while also calling for the release of US citizen Aya Hijazi. […]
[…] their meeting on the sidelines of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, US Presidential candidate Hilary […]