The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

12:14 P.M. AST 

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Well, Mr. President, welcome.  It’s good to see you. 

PRESIDENT AL SISI:  Thank you.

PRESIDENT BIDEN:  I’d like to start by thanking you for the incredible assistance you have provided in bringing the Gaza matter to a — to an end.  I know there is a lot of work to be done, but you were — you were extremely, extremely helpful. 

And I’m looking forward to working with you on a lot of other things.  I think, at least from the U.S. perspective, there is a great deal of merit in us working more closely together.  You’re a valuable, valuable friend.  

So I’m looking forward to talking with you about a whole range of issues.  Again, thank you for being here.

PRESIDENT AL SISI:  (As interpreted.)  Allow me, Mr. President, to thank you very much for this opportunity and to stress the strategic relationship.  And we’re standing ready to take it to a whole new level on all fronts.  12:16 P.M. AST