Sisi, US general discuss boosting military cooperation

CAIRO - 15 February 2018: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi discussed in a meeting Thursday with Head of the U.S. Central Command General Joseph Votel ways of fostering military cooperation between Egypt and the US.

During the meeting, attended by Defense Minister Sedqi Sobhi and the acting US ambassador in Cairo, Sisi and Votel touched on the latest military and political developments in the region, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi said.

President Sisi highlighted the long-standing strategic ties binding the two countries in all fields, especially in the military one, Radi added.

The two parties asserted the importance of stepping up efforts to face challenges threatening regional security and stability, the spokesman noted.

Also, President Sisi posted the US general on ongoing efforts exerted by Egypt to uproot terrorism, Radi said.

For his part, Votel commended the strong military relations between the two countries, asserting that Washington is keen on developing its partnership and cooperation with Cairo.

Moreover, the US general hailed the pivotal role played by Egypt in the region and its endeavors to consolidate regional security and stability, the spokesman said.

Separately, Sedqi Sobhi, alongside Armed Forces commanders, met with Votel to discuss issues of mutual concern in the military domain and joint exercises, as well as regional efforts to stamp out terrorism and means to achieve stability in Egypt and the Middle East.

The minister said that Egypt is waging a decisive battle to eliminate terrorism and extremism through Operation Sinai 2018 which is being carried out by the Armed Forces in cooperation with the police.

He called for more international efforts to end terrorism, praising cooperation with the United States in the military domain.

The U.S. general said that his country backs Egypt and its army in their battle against terrorism in Sinai praising the military successes scored in the operation and the long-standing strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries.

Chief of staff Mohamed Farid also met with Votel on military cooperation and joint exercises topped by Bright Star war games.