US President Donald Trump welcomed his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, to the White House today for talks ranging from ways to collaborate in the fight against Islamic extremism to efforts to bolster Egypt’s flailing economy.
In an Oval Office meeting, Trump said that el-Sissi has done a “fantastic job” and declared his support for Egypt and the Egyptian people.
Trump noted that the US plans to build its military to “possibly” its highest levels as it looks to fight the Islamic State group and lend support to its allies.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss military and economic aid for the country.
Trump has repeatedly mentioned Egypt as a critical Muslim-majority ally in the fight against extremists like the Islamic State group.
The White House welcome comes after a tense relationship between Egypt’s leader and the previous Obama administration.