Biarritz (QNN)- Donald Trump referred to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Al Sisi as his “favourite dictator” as he awaited a meeting with the world leader during last month’s Group of Seven summit in Biarritz, France, according to a new report.

“Where’s my favorite dictator?” Trump called out in a voice loud enough to be heard by the small gathering of American and Egyptian officials. Several people who were in the room at the time said they heard the question.

The witnesses said they believed the president made the comment jokingly, but said his question was met by a stunned silence.

It couldn’t be determined whether Mr. Sisi was present or heard the remark.

Trump’s comment has drawn attention to repeated criticism that Sisi has endured since taking power after a 2013 coup.

During his regime, Al Sisi detained, tortured, and murdered thousands of political opponents and prisoners. He also committed massacres against supporters of the first freely elected president of Egypt in Rabaa and Nahda squares.