David Jackson

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — President Trump went out of his way Monday to honor Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, praising the hard-line leader for doing a "fantastic job" and soliciting his help in the fight against terrorism and violent extremists.

"We are very much behind Egypt and the people of Egypt," Trump told Sisi at the White House. "You have a great friend and ally in the United States and in me."

Trump also referenced his own plans for more Pentagon spending to meet the terrorist threat, saying that "we are rejuvenating our military to the highest level ... That’s what we need.”

The Sisi visit reflected a new relationship between the United States and Egypt. Relations cooled during the Obama administration amid unrest and a series of government upheavals in Cairo.

Speaking in Arabic with a translator, Sisi noted that "this is my first state visit to the United States" since taking over after leading a 2013 coup. Noting that he met with Trump last year during the presidential campaign, Sisi told his host that "I've had a deep appreciation and admiration of your unique personality," as well as "standing very strong … to counter this evil ideology.”

Seeking to demonstrate a high regard for his guest, Trump brought in reporters and photographers for four separate photo opportunities with him and Sisi.

Trump made no mention of human rights or military and economic aid during brief remarks at one of the photo opps.

Human rights groups criticized Trump's invitation to Sisi, citing his record in Egypt.

“Inviting Sisi for an official visit to Washington as tens of thousands of Egyptians rot in jail and when torture is again the order of the day is a strange way to build a stable strategic relationship,” said Sarah Margon, Washington director at Human Rights Watch.

In addition to terrorism, the two presidents and their aides discussed U.S. military aid to Egypt, designating the Muslim Brotherhood — opponents of Sisi — as a terrorist group, and possible attempts to revive the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, aides said.

Trump "made clear that this is a new day in the relationship between Egypt and the United States and the president affirmed his strong support of the Egyptian people," said White House spokesman Sean Spicer. "It was a candid dialogue during which they discussed both areas of cooperation and of concern."

A former defense secretary in Egypt, Sisi led the 2013 ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi, a Muslim Brotherhood leader who had replaced the deposed Hosni Mubarak. Before Monday, Mubarak was the last Egyptian leader to visit the White House, back in 2010.

The Obama administration froze military aid to Egypt after the 2013 coup, but reinstated it in 2015. The United States gives $1.3 billion annually in military aid to Egypt.

Obama never invited Sisi to the White House.

During a brief photo opportunity, Trump also noted that his meeting Sisi back in September, and "we agree on so many things." He said Egypt's leader has "done a fantastic job in a very difficult situation."

He added: "We will fight terrorism and other things. We’re going to be friends for a long long period of time. We have a great bond with the people of Egypt."

Read more:

5 things to know about Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi

Like a phoenix, Egypt economy is rising from ashes

Trump's meeting with Egyptian leader to push human rights to the background

The session with Sisi began a busy foreign policy week for Trump.

On Wednesday, Trump greets King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House.

The end of the week brings a two-day summit with China President Xi Jinping at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla.