President Donald Trump will meet with Egypt President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi next month at the White House, VOA News reports.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders says in a statement released Friday the leaders on April 9 will discuss bilateral concerns, including conflicts in the region and military, economic and counterterrorism issues.
Egypt under the ex-general has rolled back many freedoms won by the 2011 uprising in the country. El-Sissi has silenced most dissenting voices in the media and restricted civil society groups.
El-Sissi led the military overthrow of Mohammed Morsi, an elected but divisive Islamist whose rule inspired protests. El-Sissi was elected president in 2014 and re-elected to another four-year term last year after challengers were arrested or pressured to withdraw.
El-Sissi’s supporters say he needs more time to develop the economy and defeat an Islamic State-led insurgency.