Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday US President Donald Trump was the “only one” who could bring peace to the region.
The leaders met ahead of co-chairing a summit on postwar Gaza in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Sisi urged Trump to support a Gaza reconstruction conference Egypt is planning to host next month.
Sisi, whose government has served as a key mediator in ceasefire talks, also said Egypt is working to ensure that bodies of hostages in Gaza are found and handed over to Israel, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Trump told reporters that Sisi "had a very important role with Hamas. In fact the general right here was very instrumental because Hamas respects this country, and they respect the leadership of Egypt."
"So, he played a very important role, I appreciate it very much."
Trump also called Sisi “very powerful” and noted that there is “no crime” in Egypt.
“They have very little crime, you know. Because they don’t play games,” Trump said, adding: “Because they don’t play games like we do in the United States, with governors that have no idea what they’re doing.”
Egypt, home to over 115 million people, does face crime, particularly the harassment of women.
Meanwhile, Trump’s lead Middle East negotiator predicted a long presence by the US in the region following the ceasefire deal.
“We’re dug in,” said Witkoff, as Trump met with Sisi. “We’ll be here quite a bit. That’s at the direction of the president.”
Witkoff also praised Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, saying: “Jared is remarkable to work with.”
“The minute we inked the deal, Jared and I were already working on the implementation side,” Witkoff added.
