Sisi meets head of US central command

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah l Sisi met Wednesday with head of the US Central Command Lloyd James Austin.

During the meeting, attended by Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi and the US Ambassador to Egypt Stephen Beecroft, Austin hailed progress made by Egypt at the political and economic levels, said Presidential Spokesman Alaa Youssef.

The US considers Egypt as its main partner in the Middle East and is keen on boosting cooperation with it, Austin added, according to the spokesman.

Austin also hailed Egypt's call for a moderate religious discourse in the face of extremist powers and terrorism, added the spokesman.

The US is keen on working with Egypt in order to support moderate powers in confronting the various challenges, which are besetting the region, Ausin said.

Sisi welcomed the US official and affirmed Egypt's keenness on its strategic ties with the US, added the spokesman.

Sisi, meanwhile, pointed out to Egypt's efforts in combating terrorism, adding that Egypt repeatedly warned of the consequences of the spread of the terrorism in the region.

The spokesman further said that Sisi underlined the importance of rallying efforts of the international community to combat terrorism.

The meeting also tackled the latest developments in Yemen, Iraq and Syria.

The viewpoints were identical on the need of continuing international efforts in order to restore peace and stability in these countries, added the spokesman.