By Wall Street Journal –
Efforts against terrorism and extremism lead the discussion.
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke Monday with Egyptian President Abel Fatah al-Sisi, White House officials and Egyptian state media said, in the first conversation between the two since Mr. Trump took office.
They spoke a month ago as Mr. Trump sought to intervene in a move at the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction.
Egypt had drafted the U.N. resolution but called for a delay on the vote after Mr. Sisi spoke with Mr. Trump. The resolution later passed because the Obama administration, in a break with tradition, decided for the first time not to use its veto power at the U.N. to block the resolution on behalf of Israel.
In their conversation on Monday, Mr. Trump stressed the strong ties between the two countries, according to both the White House and Egyptian state media. Egyptian state media said Mr. Sisi expressed hope that bilateral ties would see a “new push” under the Trump administration.
Efforts against terrorism and extremism led the discussion, both the White House and Egyptian state media said, with President Trump praising Egypt’s efforts.
Mr. Sisi reiterated his plans to wipe out terrorism despite the economic burden the fight places on the country, state media said. President Trump in turn pledged his administration’s full backing of Egypt, and developing mutual cooperation in all sectors, including economic reform, the White House said.
Arrangements also are under way for a potential visit by Mr. Sisi to Washington, both U.S. officials and Egyptian state media said, but didn’t indicate when.
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http://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-to-speak-monday-with-egyptian-president-sisi-1485189876
Photo: Donald Trump PHOTO: NICHOLAS KAMM/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES