Obama calls Egyptian President to discuss bilateral relations

US President Barack Obama today spoke with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel fattah Al-Sisi to discuss the bilateral relationship and developments within the region.
"The President affirmed the United States' continuing commitment to the strategic partnership with Egypt and emphasised the importance of bilateral cooperation to promote shared interests in counter-terrorism and regional security," the White House said in a statement.
"The two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing their countries' close military and intelligence relationships," it said.
Obama also expressed dissatisfaction over the country's poor human rights issue including mass trials, the status of NGOs, and the continued imprisonment of journalists and peaceful activists in Egypt.

He even encouraged Al-Sisi to invest in the political, economic, and social aspirations of the Egyptian people, it said.
The President also expressed his condolences to the Egyptian people for the spate of terrorists attacks they have suffered in recent past.