UPDATE - US defense secretary arrives in Egypt

UPDATES WITH MATTIS' MEETINGS WITH EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT, DEFENSE MINISTER; HIS DEPARTURE FOR JORDAN

By Mahmud al-Husseini

CAIRO (AA) - U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis arrived in Egypt on Saturday as part of a tour of the Middle East.

During his visit, Mattis held talks with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and the two discussed international and regional threats, in particular terrorism and extremism, according to a statement from the president's office.

Also discussing ways to improve U.S.-Egypt partnership in the defense sector, the duo agreed on the need to increase international efforts to eradicate terrorism resources, and to find a political resolution to the crises in the Middle East, the statement said.

Mattis offered condolences for the recent terrorist attack on a mosque in Bir al Abed, Egypt, according to a statement from the Pentagon.

He recognized Egypt as a strategic defense partner for the U.S. and its importance to the stability of Middle East.

During the meeting, Mattis also appreciated Egypt's ongoing fight to counter terrorism.

Prior to his meeting with Sisi, Mattis met his Egyptian counterpart Sedki Sobhi to discuss military cooperation between the two countries and the fight against terrorism.

After the meetings, Mattis left for Jordan, where he will participate in the Aqaba Process, a meeting held to discuss solutions to violent extremism in West Africa, hosted by Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

The defense secretary will then travel to Pakistan on Dec. 4, where he will meet Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Bajwa.

He will conclude his trip with a visit to Kuwait on Dec. 5, where he will meet Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and other Kuwaiti leaders.

The visit comes amid media reports about purported plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on Wednesday.