Report: Syria’s national security chief in Egypt

DAMASCUS, Syria – Syria’s state news agency is reporting that a top aide to President Bashar Assad has visited Egypt to discuss political and security issues, including efforts to combat terrorism.

Syria’s news agency SANA said Sunday National Security chief Maj. Gen. Ali Mamlouk travelled to Egypt a day earlier at the invitation of Egyptian intelligence chief.

This is not Mamlouk’s first public visit to Egypt. During another publicized trip in 2016, Mamlouk and Egyptian intelligence officers agreed to co-ordinate political positions and strengthen co-operation in fighting terrorism.

Syria has been expelled from the 22-member Arab League and boycotted by its neighbours since its civil war erupted in 2011. But Egypt has maintained security contacts with Assad’s government throughout, negotiating limited conciliation deals between Syrian armed groups and the Syrian government.