Sisi’s 4th meeting with Trump: many topics at table

CAIRO – 20 September 2017: Since his arrival to New York to participate in the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi held a number of meetings with several leaders, participated in several meetings including a major talk session with his American counterpart Donald Trump.

While having a very busy agenda during his visit to New York, his meeting with Trump which is considered their fourth, would be considered one of the major meetings they will have for several reasons including the current political situation in the Middle East region and the Arab-Qatari dispute, which is considered an issue of mutual interest to both countries.


U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 21, 2017. REUTERS_Jonathan Ernst

Sisi’s first meeting with Trump was held on September 20, 2016, during Trump’s presidential campaign in New York on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly then. Last April, Trump welcomed Sisi in the White House and held a meeting with him to discuss the wars and situations in the Middle East region.

Also, during the Arab Islamic American Summit held last May, President Sisi met with his American counterpart for the third time.

Sisi also met on Monday with several American officials as part of his agenda in New York, shortly after arrival at his residence.

What else is expected during sisi’s participation in the UNGA?

According to presidential statement issued on September 16, Sisi is anticipated to present Egypt’s vision on the ongoing global issues and mechanisms to boost peace and stability in the world, in addition to the Egyptian stance towards regional issues in the Middle East and efforts to combat terrorism.


Sisi has met already with several American and Arab political officials including a high level American delegation, UAE’s Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and Saudi’s Ambassador to Washington Khaled bin Salman Al-Saud.

According to presidency spokesperson, Alaa Youssef, both meetings [UAE’s minister and the Saudi ambassador] were very successful meetings, as all parties praised the good relations on different levels. All cases related to the Arabian topics expected to be discussed during the UNGA meetings were highlighted during the two meetings.

Another talk session between president Sisi and members of the American Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to take place during the coming hours on Monday, along with another meeting with the Business Council for International Understanding members. Also, an interview with Fox News is expected to take place later today as part of Sisi’s agenda.

Sisi’s participation in the UNGA this year is considered his fourth since taking office in June 2014. Egypt’s foreign policies have witnessed significant development seen in the global and regional arenas. Egypt is a key player in fighting terrorism globally and boosting peace through its 30,000 soldiers’ participation in UN peacekeeping missions, along with Egypt’s efforts to solve Syrian, Palestinian, Yemeni and Libyan crises.