Minister of Defence Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi met with United States Congressman Darrell Issa on Wednesday. Issa, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman and his delegation discussed issues of mutual interest and strategic relations with Al-Sisi, according to a statement issued by the armed forces. The meeting also included an exchange seeking ways to strengthen ties between the two countries in the context of developments in the region. Al-Sisi's Chief of Staff Sedqy Sobhy, along with other high-ranking military officials also attended the meeting between Al-Sisi and the American delegation. Last month Al-Sisi met with senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham during their visit to Egypt, in which they met with government officials and members of the Muslim Brotherhood, which supports the return of Mohamed Morsi to the presidency after he was removed in July. The two senators had called for the release of Muslim Brotherhood leaders in an attempt to ameliorate political tensions in Egypt. A separate delegation consisting of US lawmakers Michelle Bachmann, Steve King, and Louie Gohmert also met with Al-Sisi before announcing their support of the Egyptian armed forces and the post-Morsi roadmap that was put in place following the change of power in July. Issa's visit to Egypt is part of a larger trip that includes stops in Libya and Italy.
