Egypt's strongman Sisi: Give Donald Trump a second chance

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said "let's not jump into conclusions or worry" about future US actions or policies in the Middle East in an interview released on Saturday.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

19 November, 2016

Trump and Sisi have already shown a certain bond [AFP]

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi praised US President-elect Donald Trump, saying that his inflammatory statements from the campaign trail do not necessarily reflect the actions he will take as president.

Sisi, in an interview with Portuguese news agency LUSA released on Saturday, said, "let's not jump into conclusions or worry" about future US actions or policies in the Middle East.

The army chief-turned-president was interviewed prior to his upcoming November 21 visit to Portugal.

Sisi was among the very first foreign leaders to congratulate Trump's on his presidential victory.

"We have to distinguish between the rhetoric that takes place within presidential campaigns and the real and actual administration of a country after the inauguration," he said. "There will be a chance for more thorough readings."

Trump and Sisi have already shown a certain bond. Trump said there was "good chemistry" when they met on the side-lines of the UN General Assembly in September. Sisi said Trump would "without a doubt" make a strong leader.

Sisi, who assumed power in 2014 following the ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, has painted himself as a regional leader in the fight against Islamic militancy - a stance that echoes Trump's priorities.

Read Also: Arab democracy and human rights in the Trump era

The prospect of warmer relations with Trump comes after years of comparative chill between Sisi and outgoing US President Barack Obama.

After the ouster of Morsi and the subsequent lethal crackdown on Islamist supporters, the Obama administration voiced criticism and briefly suspended part of the Egypt's robust American aid package.

Egypt's pro-government media have often railed against Obama, accusing the US of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and other dissident groups. Many of those pro-government media outlets are now cheering Trump's victory.

Observers believe that Trump is less likely to take Egypt to task over human rights.

"I believe that President Trump will be vigorously engaged with the issues in the region," Sisi said. "As a matter of fact, Trump has shown deep and great understanding of what is taking place in the region as a whole and Egypt in particular. I am looking forward and expecting more support and reinforcement of our bilateral relations."