Many Egyptian expats gather to receive Sisi in Washington on Tuesday

CAIRO – 7 April 2019: Many of the Egyptian expatriates in the U.S. were seen gathering in New York, as they reportedly plan to head to Washington to receive the Egyptian president, who is paying a visit to the U.S. capital on Tuesday, April 9.

During his visit, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will meet with US President Donald Trump in the White House.

The visit comes upon Trump’s invitation to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, said presidential spokesperson Bassam Radi.

The White House announced in a statement that the meeting comes in light of the continuing cooperation between both countries on economic, military and counter-terrorism levels.

“The two leaders will also discuss developments and shared priorities in the region, including enhancing regional economic integration and addressing ongoing conflicts, as well as Egypt’s longstanding role as a lynchpin of regional stability,” the statement read.

On April 4, Trump’s Advisor, Ivanka Trump, praised Egypt’s reform program on women empowerment, saying on her Twitter account “We encourage and support these reforms, and look forward to working with the Egyptian government to advance these efforts."

Earlier in March Egyptians of different ages, who are reportedly part of the country's community in the U.S., appeared in a video, calling on locals to participate in a planned referendum on the constitutional amendments including extending the presidential term.

The Egyptian people, who appeared in the video, urged citizens to participate in the referendum, and express themselves, while others stressed the necessity of voting in favor of the amendments.

If the amendments are approved, presidential terms in general will be extended to six years instead of four for each of the two terms, while the incumbent president will be allowed to run for a third exceptional term. Also, heads of the judicial bodies would be appointed by the president.