Egyptian president, US leader discuss bilateral ties

Cairo, Aug 18: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met visiting US Congressman Darrell Issa and discussed regional developments and security issues including regional terrorist threats.

"Egypt is US' strategic ally and can contribute to efforts to contain terrorist threat in the region," MENA quoted Issa as saying during a press conference held at the al-Ethadya Palace in Cairo Sunday.

He also assured Sisi that he would be welcomed by the US administration if he decides to visit the country.

The congressman said the US had already allocated $500 million in assistance to Egypt and an additional $1 billion will be allocated for the next fiscal year.

Issa added that military cooperation between the two countries was set to grow in the future through a number of joint projects, including an M1A1 tanks assembly in Egypt.

Other issues like the Syrian crisis, instability in Sinai and weapons smuggling from Libya were also discussed.

The congressman emphasised that Washington was not worried about Sisi's recent visit to Russia.

"Egypt is an important country for regional security and it is normal that Russia wants to have relations with Egypt," Issa said.

The meeting also touched upon economic cooperation between the two countries and the Suez Canal development project.

IANS