US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump thanked Egyptians “for what they have done in defence of their country and for the betterment of the world over the last few years”.
Speaking during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday night, trump added that the US will be a “loyal friend”, not just an ally – Egypt can count on US support “in the days and years ahead”.
Despite calling for a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the US in December last year, Trump told Al-Sisi he has a “high regard for peace-loving Muslims and understands that every day there are people of goodwill that sacrifice their lives and fortunes to combat the growing threat of radical Islamic terrorism.”
Trump did not raise the issue of the growing number of enforced disappearances in Egypt, or the torture, mass trials, sexual abuse and denial of medical care detainees face in the country.