Hagel, al-Sisi discuss Egypt security, Syria crisis

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel called his Egyptian counterpart Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi Thursday to discuss the security relationship between their two countries and the "political roadmap" in Egypt, following an assassination attempt on the Egyptian Interior Minister earlier in the day. Amid fears that a wave of terror attacks would follow, Al Sisi "stressed the importance of the US-Egyptian partnership against violent extremists" while Hagel "declared that the US stands with Egypt and all nations against terrorism worldwide," according to a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary George Little. Hagel and Al-Sisi also discussed security developments, particularly in the Sinai peninsula, and regional implications of the crisis in Syria with Hagel expressing "appreciation for Al Sisi's insights." The US provides Egypt with USD 1.3 billion in military assistance every year.