US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday called on Egypt to hold free and transparent presidential elections next month in a vote that is smeared by crackdown on President Sisi’s rivals and marked by wave of oppression. On the fight against terrorism, Tillerson stressed that both the US and Egypt are determined to jointly pursue counterterrorism efforts. He noted that Egypt is a key member of the US-led coalition against the so-called Islamic State group. Tillerson also held private talks with President Sisi at the presidential palace. A State Department spokeswoman said they focused on their shared fight against terrorism and enhancing economic and commercial ties between the United States and Egypt.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 13, 2018 14:26 UTC