Sisi to discuss political issues with German foreign minister

CAIRO - 29 October 2019: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi will meet with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who is visiting Cairo for two days to discuss political issues of common concern.

The meeting will tackle regional issues such as the situation in Syria and Libya as well as bilateral cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady on Tuesday.

In February, Sisi met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of Munich Security Policy Conference.

Sisi's first visit to Berlin in 2015 was the first step to change the negative German stance towards the June 30 revolution and pave the way to Chancellor Merkel's visit to Cairo in March 2017, which was followed by Sisi's visit 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.