US State Secretary Kerry meets Egypt's Sisi in Cairo

By Hussein Mahmoud

CAIRO

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday stressed Washington’s support for Egypt’s stability during talks with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

After arriving in the Egyptian capital from Tehran, Kerry met with al-Sisi with whom he discussed the prospect of improved bilateral relations and U.S. assistance in helping Egypt overcome chronic security and economic challenges.

The two men also discussed recent developments elsewhere in the crisis-hit Middle East region.

Kerry is expected to travel to Riyadh later on Wednesday to join U.S. President Barack Obama at a scheduled Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit.

Kerry’s visit to Cairo coincides with tough economic circumstances in Egypt and the recent transfer of two Red Sea islands (Tiran and Sanafir) -- considered Egyptian possessions for more than six decades -- to Saudi Arabia.