Egypt's president meets CIA director in Cairo to discuss conflicts, regional terrorism
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In this image provided by the office of the Egyptian Presidency, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, right, meets with CIA director John Brennan, center, and the director of Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate Khaled Fawzy in Cairo, Sunday, April 19, 2015. A government statement Sunday said the meeting between Brennan and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi focused on “ways of enhancing bilateral relations” and regional issues. It said both sides agreed to continue “consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest.” (Egyptian Presidency via AP) (The Associated Press)
Egypt's president has held talks with CIA director John Brennan in Cairo that touched on regional conflicts and terrorism.
A government statement Sunday said the meeting between Brennan and President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi focused on "ways of enhancing bilateral relations" and regional issues. It said both sides agreed to continue "consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest."
The visit by Brennan was not previously announced.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Egypt remains a key U.S. regional partner, despite tensions following el-Sissi's overthrow of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. El-Sissi has been promoting the idea of a pan-Arab military force to intervene in regional conflicts.
Egypt increasingly has been targeted by Islamic militants and its strategic Sinai Peninsula is home to an extremist group that has pledged its loyalty to the Islamic State group.