Trump calls El Sisi a “great president” during diplomatic talks: US President Donald Trump described President Abdel Fattah El Sisi as a “great president” and a “great friend” during diplomatic talks in Washington, DC yesterday. “We’ve never had a better relationship, Egypt and the United States, than we do right now,” Trump told reporters in the White House. The leaders reportedly discussed terrorism, regional security and the US-Egypt trade relationship during the meeting, which came just days before the House of Representatives votes on the proposed amendments to the constitution. The White House released a transcript of the press conference as well as a fact sheet following the talks.

The US press were less than impressed with the proceedings (more on this in today’s Egypt in the News).

El Sisi discussed events in Libya, Syria and Yemen, as well as terrorism and security with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ahead of his meeting with Trump, according to a SIS statement. He also held talks with White House adviser Jared Kushner during which he emphasized the need to restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, an Ittihadiya statement said.

A US official has expressed concern over growing Russian influence in the MENA region, urging Cairo to rely more on the West, Sputnik News reported. “We have long argued that Russia is not a reliable partner for weapons sales; that American equipment and American support is far superior,” the unnamed official reportedly said in a press briefing. Members of the US Congress have previously voiced unease about Egypt’s agreement last month to purchase 20 Russian fighter jets.