How Donald Trump’s Meeting With the Egyptian President Went Down

Both of the major-party candidates for president of the United States met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in New York today during his visit to the U.N. General Assembly on Monday.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was joined at the meeting by two of his senior advisers, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn (ret.) for a discussion focused on political, military and economic cooperation between the two countries. His campaign issued the following “readout” of the meeting, which was held behind closed doors:

Mr. Trump thanked President el-Sisi and the Egyptian people for what they have done in defense of their country and for the betterment of the world over the last few years. He expressed great respect for Egypt’s history and the important leadership role it has played in the Middle East.

Mr. Trump expressed to President el-Sisi his strong support for Egypt’s war on terrorism, and how under a Trump Administration, the United States of America will be a loyal friend, not simply an ally, that Egypt can count on in the days and years ahead.

Mr. Trump emphasized the strong partnership that the United States and Egypt have shared for so many years and how this relationship is vital to help promote peace and stability in the Middle East, broader region and the world. Mr. Trump also expressed his recognition of Egypt’s close relationship with Israel on countering terrorism. Mr. Trump highlighted how Egypt and the U.S. share a common enemy and the importance of working together in defeating radical Islamic terrorism, not only politically and militarily, but also addressing the ideology.

Mr. Trump emphasized to President el-Sisi his high regard for peace-loving Muslims and understands that every day there are people of goodwill who sacrifice their lives and fortunes to combat the growing threat of radical Islamic terrorism.

Mr. Trump said that if he were fortunate enough to win the election in November, he would invite President el-Sisi on an official visit to the United States and would be honored to visit Egypt and the Egyptian people, whom he has a great fondness for.