Pompeo meets Sisi, describes US-Egypt relations as 'one of deepest'

CAIRO - 10 January 2019: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Thursday with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi at the presidential palace in Cairo.

The meeting, which was set to address major regional issues, began at around 10 am.

I had a productive meeting with @AlsisiOfficial in Cairo today. The U.S. stands firmly with #Egypt in its commitments to protecting #religiousfreedom and in the fight against terrorism that threatens all of our friends in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/6PFa1cZUya

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 10, 2019

Pompeo embarked on an eight-country tour Tuesday, starting with Jordan. The tour is expected to focus on Syria, Iran and Yemen as well as US bilateral relations with Arab countries. His tour also includes Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "the US-Egypt relationship is one of our deepest and broadest partnerships in the region."

Pompeo tweeted on Thursday that it is "wonderful to be in Cairo", adding that he is looking forward to a good visit.

Pompeo also held talks with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry where they started a session of talks.


Pompeo holds talks with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry - Press photo
The meeting is set to tackle means to boost Egyptian-US ties in the different domains along with regional and international files of mutual interest including the Palestinian cause, the situation in Syria, Yemen and Libya and means of combating terror.

Both ministers will hold a joint press conference at the end of talks. Pompeo is also set to meet with Egypt's General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel.

Wonderful to be in Cairo. The U.S.-#Egypt relationship is one of our deepest and broadest partnerships in the region, and I look forward to a good visit. Thanks to @USAmbEgypt for the warm welcome. pic.twitter.com/wCekNhfppu

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 10, 2019

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Parts of the reporting were taken from MENA