Bilateral talks between Sisi and Merkel in Munich

CAIRO - 16 February 2019: Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met on Saturday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of Munich Security Policy Conference, which kicked off earlier in the day.

Sisi's first visit to Berlin in 2015 was the first step to change the negative German stance towards the June 30 revolution and paved the way to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Cairo in March 2017, and a another visit for Sisi to Berlin in June 2017, Badr Abdel Aati, Egypt's ambassador to Germany said.

In January 2017, Sisi discussed with Merkel cooperation in countering terrorism. The two officials also discussed a future visit by Merkel to Cairo, said a statement by the Egyptian Presidency Office.

In March of the same year, Merkel visited the Egyptian capital, where she discussed with President Sisi issues including illegal migration, terrorism and the latest developments in the region.

Following the meeting, Sisi praised, in a press conference, the development of the relations between the two states in various fields.

Merkel expressed appreciation of the long term bilateral relations, which have lasted for about 61 years, affirming that Germany is one of Egypt's major trade and investment partners.

Sisi and Merkel also watched a video conference of the opening ceremony of the German Siemens's three power plants established in Egypt.