Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met today with General Jospeh L. Votel,  commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) to discuss bilateral relations, especially military cooperation, according to a press release by Egyptian presidency.

The commander of the US Central Command is visiting Cairo to hold meetings with senior Egyptian officials to discuss a number of issues related to regional security.

A meeting took place this morning gathering Sisi and General Votel, to discuss regional security and to explore ways to strengthen U.S-Egypt partnership in the fight against terrorism and in promoting stability in the Middle East.

The relations between the two countries have gained momentum since US new president Donald Trump started his tenure in January. Al-Sisi was the first Arab leader to congratulate him on his victory. 

A press release from the U.S Embassy in Cairo quoted the Votel as saying, “Egypt is one of our most important partners in the region.”  He stressed that that “At CENTCOM our vision is to help promote a more stable and prosperous region with increasingly effective governance, improved security, and trans-regional cooperation. Our mission is to direct and enable military engagement with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability.”

According to the press release by Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi stressed the importance of the strategic relations between the two countries, especially when it comes to security and military issues. “There was a fruitful cooperation between the U.S and Egypt regarding the regional security, which is in the best interest of Egypt, the U.S, the region and the whole world.” the statement added.

The press release added that the Egyptian president emphasized the danger of the expanding of terrorism, and the importance of an international alliance against it.

General Votel stressed the importance of Egypt’s role in the region, saying that the U.S is interested in strengthening the partnership with Egypt and to have strategic relations with the aim of fighting terrorism.

The press release confirmed that the two countries should keep on cooperating in order to find solutions and strategies to confront the common challenges.