Mattis arrives in Cairo, will discuss cooperation

(Washington D.C.) [United States], Dec.2 (ANI): United States Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis has arrived in Cairo to meet with Egyptian officials and discuss cooperation before heading on to Jordan, Pakistan and Kuwait.

Mattis' visit to Egypt is part of a five-day trip to the region "to re-affirm the enduring U.S. commitment to partnership in the Middle East, West Africa and South Asia," reported the Washington Post, citing a statement by the Department of Defense.

Mattis is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi.

His visit comes over a week after the Egypt Mosque attack, which claimed over 300 lives and wounded scores of worshippers after terrorists stormed a packed mosque in Egypt's Bir al-Abd region of north Sinai.

From Cairo, Mattis will head to Jordan to attend a meeting on countering violent extremism in West Africa, hosted by Jordan's King Abdallah II.

"Secretary Mattis will then visit Pakistan Dec 4, where he is planning to meet with Prime Minister Abassi and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwaand and conclude his trip with a visit to Kuwait December 5, where he will meet with Emir Sabah Ahmad al-Sabah and other Kuwaiti leaders," the statement added.

On Monday, he will visit Pakistan to discuss the South Asian Strategy.

The US Defence Secretary is likely to meet with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abassi and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit.

He will pay a visit to Kuwait the following day. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI