On Thursday, 31 May, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with a visiting U.S. Congressional delegation led by Congressman Darrell Issa (R-California). According to a statement released by the Office of the Presidency, President El Sisi “welcomed the delegation and underscored the significance of the strategic relations between Egypt and the U.S.,” and “confirmed a commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with the American administration with regard to issues of mutual interest.”

The meeting addressed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. According to the Office of the Presidency, President El Sisi “reiterated that fighting terrorism is taking place according to a comprehensive strategy that also encompasses rectifying the religious discourse so as to reflect the tolerant values of Islam and to entrench the principles of citizenship, equality and acceptance of the other.” The State Information Service (SIS) added that President El Sisi updated the delegation on the comprehensive development plan to meet the needs of Sinai residents, noting that “the government pays great attention to setting up development projects in the Sinai Peninsula as being one of the key factors to counter terrorism.”

The talks also touched on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process. President El Sisi “emphasized the need to reach a just and comprehensive political settlement to the issue, based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international resolutions.”

For more information, see the below release from the Office of the Presidency.

President El Sisi Meets U.S. Congressional Delegation
Office of the Presidency
May 31, 2018

Today, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with a U.S. Congressional delegation led by Congressman, Darrell Issa.

President El Sisi welcomed the delegation and underscored the significance of the strategic relations between Egypt and the U.S. He confirmed a commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with the American administration with regard to issues of mutual interest, particularly in light of the developments the Middle East is passing through, in addition to the two countries’ efforts to restore security and stability in the region.

Members of the U.S. Congressional delegation emphasized the U.S.’ keenness on enhancing bilateral relations with Egypt and its support for Egypt to continue its key role as a cornerstone for stability in the Middle East. They commended Egypt’s achievements in countering terrorism and extremist thought, and expressed appreciation for efforts exerted to restore security and stability and to achieve economic progress.

The meeting tackled Egypt’s efforts to combat terrorism. President El Sisi highlighted the progress achieved at the military and developmental levels in Sinai. The President reviewed the comprehensive development plan currently being implemented to fulfill the economic and social needs of the Sinai inhabitants. This is in addition to placing utmost priority on the establishment of developmental projects there as a key aspect to combating terrorism. President El Sisi reiterated that fighting terrorism is taking place according to a comprehensive strategy that also encompasses rectifying the religious discourse so as to reflect the tolerant values of Islam and to entrench the principles of citizenship, equality and acceptance of the other. The President also reviewed Egypt’s efforts in support of reaching political settlements to the ongoing crises in the region so as to contribute to restoring security and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting also addressed the latest developments in a number of regional dossiers. There was an agreement on the importance of preserving the concept of nation state, preventing the collapse of its institutions, and adhering to political solutions to solve conflicts. This is in addition to rejecting any attempts to renege on modern state institutions that are based on full and equal citizenship and alignments to sectarian loyalties.

The talks also touched on the latest developments in the Middle East peace process. President El Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts in this regard, in addition to measures undertaken to ease the pressure and suffering of the Gaza Strip. President El Sisi emphasized the need to reach a just and comprehensive political settlement to the issue, based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international resolutions. This shall effectively contribute to achieving stability in the Middle East and realizing security for all peoples in the region.

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