By Renad Ghanem
Saudi Gazette
CAIRO — Egyptian president Abdel Fattah Elsisi was one of the first world leaders to call and congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections, and invited him to visit Cairo during the call.
El-Sisi said he expressed his hope for more cooperation between Egypt and the United States during the call with Trump.
During a previous trip to New York in September, Elsisi met with Trump in a meeting that was described as friendly.
Egyptians closely watched the presidential race in the US, with many disappointed with the result, but respecting the choice made by voting Americans.
Sarah Shahin, a 27-year-old American-Egyptian, said she believes that the result is a disappointment and that change will be very difficult.
“I believe that Americans don’t ask. They believe what the candidates say without asking how, and this is the problem. Trump promised that he will eliminate Daesh, but no one asked him how. I hope that he fulfills his promises, especially on reform and development,” Shahin said.
“I’m disappointed with the result, but let’s accept that this is democracy. I’m an American-Egyptian and I hope the best for both countries, and I hope that the two countries will continue to cooperate.”
Marc, a 25-year-old Egyptian male born in America, said that he expected the result and that Trump would make a positive change.
“I hope Mr. Trump understands that immigrants are a huge community in the US. I’m and Egyptian- American, so I’m concerned about both countries. I live in Egypt but I’ve many relatives and friends there and I travel there a lot,” Marc said.
“I’m Catholic –Christian, and I hope no harm or racism comes against the Muslim community in America,” he said.
Anne Maged, a 30-year-old Egyptian, said it was hard to predict what would happen next, but that she believed that large, positive changes are ahead.
“I lived in New York for more than ten years. I believe Americans are not concerned about the world. They are not really interested in politics, especially international politics. Most presidents promise the Americans innovation, but once they are in power they focus on international affairs,“ Maged said.
“Let’s not have expectations for the coming period. Change must happen, maybe non-Americans, especially Muslims, are concerned about their countries relations with the US, but it is not like how it seems,” she said.
Ahmed Maher, an Egyptian living in the US, said he believes that America deserves a president that is concerned about people, not international affairs.
“He might have said many racist things, but he also spoke about developing America. It’s what most of their candidates don’t do. We have to respect that the Americans want development more than international affairs,” he said.
