Cairo, Jun 6 (AP) Egypt's prime minister submitted his government's resignation today, three days after President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi was sworn in for a second, four-year term in office.

The move by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail was in keeping with political tradition that the government should resign at the start of a new presidential term.

However, el-Sissi has the prerogative to use the opportunity to reshuffle the Cabinet.

El-Sissi and Ismail are known to enjoy a close working relationship, with the general-turned-president often publicly praising his prime minister.

Ismail sought medical treatment in Germany late last year. He returned home a month later showing considerable weight loss, some of which he has since regained. The nature of his ailment was never officially disclosed.

Ismail's resignation was announced by presidential spokesman Bassam Radi, who said el-Sissi has asked the government to stay in office in a caretaker capacity until a new one is formed.

Ismail has been prime minister since September 2015. (AP) AQS

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)