Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi met Sunday with representatives of Egyptian community in the U.S. at his residence in Washington. The meeting comes in the framework of the current visit conducted by the Egyptian president to the U.S which is considered the first of its kind since his ascent to the power in 2014. During the meeting, Sisi stressed that the government gives the priority to the role performed by the Egyptians living abroad, as representatives of their country and ambassadors abroad, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency on Monday. "Sisi pointed out to the role of Egyptians abroad to highlight the real image of what happens in their country," the statement reads. The president urged the Egyptian diaspora representatives to contribute to the comprehensive development efforts Egypt seeks. However, the Egyptian president reviewed the efforts of the state to counter terrorism, underlining the principle of citizenship based on the equality between all citizens regardless of their religion. On the sidelines of the meeting, Sisi discussed the recent economic decisions aiming to achieve reform. He expressed his optimism of the future of Egypt's economy. The attendees shared their questions and opinions with the president, in order to push the current developments in homeland.