Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), at Al-Ittihadiya Palace on Monday, September 8, 2025. The meeting was attended by key officials from both countries, including General Abdel Mageed Saqr, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, and US Ambassador to Egypt Herro Mustafa.
During the meeting, Admiral Cooper conveyed greetings from US President Donald Trump to President El-Sisi, who appreciated the gesture and praised the long-standing historical relations between Egypt and the United States. The two sides reaffirmed the strategic nature of their bilateral relations, with President El-Sisi emphasizing the importance of the “Bright Star 2025” military exercises in enhancing security and defense cooperation.
The meeting also focused on ways to strengthen the partnership between Egypt and the US across various fields, including regional and international issues of mutual concern. Both sides agreed on the need for continued close coordination to address the current security challenges in the Middle East and to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The situation in the Gaza Strip was also discussed, with President El-Sisi stressing the importance of mediation efforts by Egypt, the US, and Qatar to achieve an immediate ceasefire, release hostages and captives, and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to intensive efforts to reduce tensions and revive the political process, leading to a lasting and just peace in the Middle East.
The meeting also addressed developments in several countries in the region, with both sides emphasizing the importance of cooperation and coordination to contain regional escalation and support effective and sustainable political solutions to existing crises. This cooperation is expected to contribute to achieving development and prosperity for the region’s peoples.
The meeting between President El-Sisi and Admiral Cooper highlights the significance of the Egyptian-US strategic partnership in addressing regional and international challenges. The continued cooperation between the two countries is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and promoting development and prosperity in the region.