President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received on Saturday Commander of the US Central Command General Joseph Votel.

Defense Minister Sedky Sobhy attended the meeting along with the US ambassador to Egypt, the presidential spokesman said.

Sisi welcomed Votel, stressing Egypt's keenness on enhancing ties with the US in all domains, including the military one.

Sisi said the current unrest and challenges in the Middle East require more coordination between Egypt and the US, highlighting the efforts being exerted by Egypt to fight terror and extremism, Alaa Youssef said.

During the meeting, Votel hailed Egypt's pivotal role in the region as one of the mainstays of peace and stability.

Votel said Egypt is an important partner to the US which is keen on enhancing strategic ties with the Arab state, especially in view of the deeply-rooted military cooperation between the two sides.

Votel hailed the efforts exerted by Egypt in the field of combating terror as well as Egypt's strides toward democratic change and all-out development, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the talks tackled means of promoting bilateral ties, especially at the security and military levels.

The talks also addressed the latest developments in the region, especially the crises of some regional states, the spokesman said.

Sisi and Votel agreed on the importance of continued international efforts to restore peace and stability to these countries and secure political solutions to end these crises and stem the bloodshed.

Source: MENA