Egyptian, US Presidents Discuss Regional Developments
SMA NEWS – Cairo
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries, in addition to regional developments.
Sisi received a phone call from Trump on Thursday, according to Egyptian presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady.
“President Trump stressed the value of the fruitful partnership and constructive cooperation between the United States and Egypt, and the centrality of the mutual understanding between the two countries in enhancing security and stability in the Middle East region.”
The spokesman affirmed that for his part, “President Sisi expressed during the call his gratitude and appreciation for President Trump’s efforts and contributions in consolidating the extended friendship between the two countries,” wishing “all the best and prosperity for the United States of America and its friendly people.”
According to Rady, “the telephone call dealt with exchanging views and appreciation regarding the developments of a number of regional issues of common interest, as well as discussing some issues of bilateral cooperation relations between Egypt and the United States.”
During a phone call last June, Trump had expressed to his Egyptian counterpart Washington’s commitment to “facilitating reaching a fair agreement” on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
In November 2019, the United States sought to mediate an agreement between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the rules of filling and operating the dam.
However, no agreement was reached, although Washington pushed towards signing an agreement, which Egypt considered “fair and balanced.”
At the time, Ethiopia accused the US of “not acting diplomatically.”
The African Union is sponsoring the latest round of the discussions.
