BICOM

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will meet President Trump today on his third visit to the US in two years.

The White House said the two leaders: “Will discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt including enhancing regional economic integration and addressing ongoing conflicts, and Egypt’s longstanding role as a lynchpin of regional stability.”

President Sisi plans to amend Egypt’s 2014 constitution to extend his time in office. He is trying to change the current limit of two four-year presidential terms to two six-year terms. Once approved, Sisi intends to start a new term in office in 2022 when his current term expires, and under the new rules stay in power until 2034, when he will be 80 years old.

A referendum to approve the measures will likely take place in the coming months.

During Sisi’s visit to the US last September, Trump said Egypt’s President was an “outstanding friend” and described his strategy with respect to handling terrorism as “an outstanding job”.

A group of US Senators sent a letter yesterday to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing concern about the administration’s silence on human rights abuses in Egypt. A major speech by the US Secretary of State in Cairo in January did not mention human rights issues in Egypt.

The letter said: “There is strong, bipartisan support in Congress for a security partnership with Egypt that addresses our shared challenges and twenty-first century threats. A strong and sustainable U.S.-Egypt strategic partnership is vital for both countries but it requires Egypt to make a tangible effort to make those reforms. We welcome President Sisi’s visit during this critical time and encourage a frank and open dialogue with our strategic partner.”

Egypt is one of the largest recipients of US aid receiving approximately $1.38 billion each year.