US President Donald Trump today congratulated Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on his re-election and hailed the "strategic partnership" between the two countries.
The White House said that Trump spoke with al-Sisi over phone after the Egyptian leader was re-elected for a second term with over 97 per cent of votes.
"The two leaders affirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Egypt, and noted that they look forward to advancing this partnership and addressing common challenges, the White House said in a readout of the call.
Earlier the State Department said US looks forward to continuing to work with al-Sisi.
"Following his re-election, we look forward to continuing to work with al-Sisi to advance our strategic partnership and address our common challenges, while encouraging respect for and protection of basic rights and freedoms, the State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.
"The United States values its strong partnership with Egypt and will continue to work to advance its shared objectives," she said.
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We have noted reports of constraints on freedoms of expression and association in the run-up to the elections, Nauert said.
The US will continue to encourage a broadening of opportunities for political participation for Egyptians, and emphasize the importance of the protection of human rights and the vital role of civil society in Egypt, she added.
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