Sisi stresses continued cooperation between Egypt, US

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said he is happy to meet with US President Donald Trump, stressing continued cooperation between the two countries.

During his meeting with Trump Monday morning on the sidelines of the G7 summit, Sisi said the relationship with Washington is based on understanding, appreciation and mutual respect.

Trump said Egypt made big progress under the lead of Sisi.

Today’s talks will focus on trade, the armed forces and Middle East developments, the US president said.

China’s desire to return to the negotiating table will also be probed, Trump also said, adding that a press conference will then follow.

Trump praised achievements made by President Sisi over the past period, calling him a “prominent” figure and very important to the US.

Talking about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the US president lauded efforts exerted by his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to solve the problem, which he believes is “complicated”.

The Palestinians have voiced desire to reach a peace deal with Israel, Trump said, noting that any such agreement should be reached after the Israeli elections and not before.

About Iran, Trump said it is facing a very difficult economic situation, stressing that what Washington is asking is very simple and reiterating his demand for Tehran to denuclearize.

He criticized the short-term nuclear deal sealed by his predecessor Barack Obama with Iran and cost some 150 billion dollars.

Trump stressed that the US wants Iran to be strong and is not seeking to change the regime, but he still believed that a meeting with Iranian officials would be too early at this stage.

North Korea also has big potentials just like Iran, Trump said, noting the Pyongyang would sure not want to ruin that because the outcome won’t be good.