The US lawmakers stressed that Egypt is a main ally for the US in the Middle East region, praising Egypt’s balanced and wise endeavours to reach settlements for different regional crises, Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

They also hailed the successful Egyptian efforts in countering terrorism and extremist thought and promoting religious tolerance.

El-Sisi has been in Washington since Tuesday night to participate in the three-day US-Africa Leaders Summit, during which President Joe Biden is set to announce his administration's support for the African Union (AU) to become a permanent member at the Group of 20 (G20).

The summit brings together nearly 49 heads of state and senior government officials from African countries.

Reaching GERD deal

El-Sisi stressed to the Republican lawmakers Egypt’s unwavering aim to protect its water security by reaching a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The president underscored that Egypt relies entirely on the Nile for its water.

The US lawmakers said they fully understand the Egyptian concerns in this regard and Egypt’s stance regarding the sensitive GERD issue, which is linked to Egypt’s national security.

US-Africa Leaders Summit

The summit, hosted by US President Joe Biden, aims to enhance cooperation between the two sides, including in economic engagement and commitment to democracy and human rights.

The summit is set to witness discussion on new initiatives to increase US engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to a previous statement by the AU Mission to the US.

It is also set to launch initiatives to boost the continent’s recovery from COVID-19, bolster food security, and promote investment in infrastructure, health, and renewable energy projects, among other priorities, the AU mission added.

US-Africa partnership

During the summit, El-Sisi will be focusing on a host of issues of concern to African countries amid the current global challenges to strengthen African-American partnership in confronting the food security crisis, Rady said on Tuesday.

El-Sisi will also stress on means to facilitate the integration of African countries into the global economy to benefit from the available opportunities to achieve economic growth, transfer technology, and drive foreign investment.

The Egyptian president's programme includes meeting with the US business community to discuss means of advancing cooperation in the economic, trade, and investment fields.

He will also meet a number of heads of state and government participating in the summit to exchange views on various regional and international issues, Rady added.