Egypt's President says to not 'jump to conclusions' on Trump
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi says that President-elect Donald Trump’s words during his presidential campaign will be different from his presidential actions.
The Egyptian president said in an interview with Portuguese news agency LUSA released on Saturday, "let's not jump into conclusions or worry" about future U.S. actions or policies in the Middle East.
"We have to distinguish between the rhetoric that takes place within presidential campaigns and the real and actual administration of a country after the inauguration," el-Sissi said. "There will be a chance for more thorough readings."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}El-Sissi has painted himself as a regional leader in the fight against ISIS, a stance that echoes Trump's priorities.
El-Sissi believes "without a doubt" that Trump would make a strong leader.
Previous relations between Egypt and the U.S. have been rocky after the U.S. voiced criticism and briefly suspended part of the country’s robust American aid package following Egypt’s ousting of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi and the subsequent lethal crackdown on Islamist supporters.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Egypt's pro-government media support Trump’s presidential win. Many believe Trump will be able to offer international political support as the Egyptian leader battles ISIS.
"I believe that President Trump will be vigorously engaged with the issues in the region," el-Sissi said. "As a matter of fact, Trump has shown deep and great understanding of what is taking place in the region as a whole and Egypt in particular. I am looking forward and expecting more support and reinforcement of our bilateral relations."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.