El-Sisi and Kurilla also discussed cooperation in counterterrorism as well as joint military exercises and border security.

They also discussed the latest developments in several crises and issues in the region, especially security in the Red Sea, where they agreed to continue consultation and coordination concerning issues of joint interest.

President El-Sisi stressed the importance of military cooperation as part of the strategic relations between Egypt and the US, which represent a main pillar for safekeeping peace and security in the Middle East.

President El-Sisi also reviewed Egypt’s efforts in fighting terrorism.

For his part, General Kurilla – who replaced General Kenneth F. McKenzie as CENTCOM commander on 1 April – offered his condolences to the Egyptian president over the deaths of 11 Egyptian military personnel in a terrorist attack in Sinai on Saturday.

Kurilla also said he is glad that Egypt is his first stop in his first Middle East visit since assuming his new position. The general stressed the US’ full solidarity with Egypt in its efforts to fight terrorism.

Kurilla also said that the US administration relies on Egypt’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East and North Africa, which underscores the importance of continuing Egyptian-American military cooperation and developing strategic relations between the two countries.