Egypt president welcomes return of US military aid

Cairo - Egypt's president says the United States' release of military aid previously suspended will help boost Cairo's ability to combat extremists in the region.

Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who overthrew Egypt's elected but divisive Islamist president in 2013, said in a statement on Wednesday that the decision supports the strategic objectives of both countries in combating terrorism and extremism and maintaining security, particularly in Egypt's restive Sinai Peninsula.

The White House said President Barack Obama notified al-Sisi in a phone call on Tuesday that the US would be sending 12 F-16 fighter jets, 20 missiles and up to 125 tank kits, while continuing to request $1.3bn in military assistance for Egypt.

The White House said Egypt will remain the second-largest recipient of US foreign military financing worldwide, after Israel.