US Ambassador: Trump is planning to visit Egypt soon

Cairo – 21 May 2017: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met with President Donald Trump in Riyadh on Sunday ahead of the Arab-Islamic- American summit in Riyadh.

US Ambassador to Cairo, Robert Stephen Beecroft, stressed the importance of Egyptian-American relations, pointing out that al-Sisi and Trump enjoy a strong relationship and share similar perspectives on many regional and international issues.
The ambassador said that Trump will visit Egypt, but the date of the visit has not yet been determined.

Beecroft said the meeting between Sisi and Trump proves the depth of the Egyptian-American relations. He added that the Egyptian-American relations have witnessed a positive development since the visit of Sisi to the US last April.

"President Sisi and his U.S. counterpart have had strong ties since September 2016. The two countries should attempt to build stronger relations to counter terrorism, which is a common threat." said Beecroft.

On the issue of civil society organizations work in Egypt, the ambassador said that the US communicates with the government in Egypt on this topic. He added that civil society organizations are an essential part of the US relationship with Egypt and strengthen relations between the two countries.

"At times we face some differences over agreements between the two sides, but we work together on development, economy, education and cooperation in all fields." said Beecroft.

In addition, the ambassador spoke about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and noted that Trump will work to resume the peace process and promote an agreement between the two sides. He also said that Trump will work with the Arab countries to achieve this goal. He added that al-Sisi, during his meeting with Trump, stressed the need to find a solution to the Palestinian case and to find ways to achieve peace.

The U.S. ambassador’s statements came during the celebration of U.S. Fulbright Commission, marking the 70th anniversary of its work in Egypt. The ambassador said the U.S. spends millions of dollars annually to support education programs in Egypt. He added that since the establishment of the Fulbright Scholarship program in 1946 a total of 6000 Egyptians have been sent to the US to enhance their education and Egypt have received more than 1000 American researchers and teachers which strengthens scientific and intellectual exchange between the two countries.

"We should work to strengthen relations between the two countries, both inside and outside the Fulbright Foundation. All our partners in the Embassy and the Commission welcome the cooperation with the Egyptian side." said Beecroft.