Trump praises 'great job' by Egypt's controversial Sisi

Sisi faces accusations of overseeing repression of political opponents, women and religious minorities in Egypt

WASHINGTON DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised the "great job" he said is being done by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, despite widespread criticism over Sisi's human rights record.

"I think he is doing a great job," Trump said as he sat down for talks with Sisi in the White House. "We have never had a better relationship between Egypt and United States than we do right now."

Egypt is one of the biggest US strategic partners — an Arab country that made peace with top US ally Israel 40 years ago and a major recipient of US aid.



However, Sisi faces accusations of overseeing the repression of political opponents, women and religious minorities in Egypt.

Later this month, Egyptians are expected to take part in a referendum that could see Sisi extend his rule beyond the end of his second term in 2022. Constitutional amendments would also increase the military's political role and bring the judiciary under Sisi's control.

Ahead of Sisi's meeting with Trump, Human Rights Watch urged the US Congress to pressure Sisi, saying the referendum could "institutionalize authoritarianism."