Egypt's Sisi hails Trump's win, eyes stronger ties with U.S.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi expressed appreciation for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as "the choice of the American people," expecting stronger Egyptian-U.S. ties under Trump's administration, the Egyptian presidential spokesman said in a statement Saturday.

According to the statement, Sisi's remarks came in an interview with Portuguese news agency LUSA ahead of the president's visit to Lisbon scheduled for Monday.

Sisi expected more support of the Egyptian-U.S. ties when Trump takes office, noting Trump has shown deep understanding of what is taking place in the Middle East in general and Egypt in particular.

With regards to Trump's anti-Muslim and anti-migrant remarks during the presidential campaign, Sisi said they do not necessarily reflect the actions he will take as the president, urging not to jump to conclusions.

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

In late September, Sisi met in New York with both U.S. presidential candidates, Trump and Hillary Clinton. The former showed support to Sisi's administration and promised future partnership in anti-terrorism war, while the latter addressed democracy and freedom in Egypt.

The Egyptian president said he believes that Trump will be vigorously engaged in regional issues. Endit