Sisi: we aim to restore stability and security in Libya through the political track

CAIRO – 18 October 2020: President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi received on Saturday Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Jonathalith Laia, in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and the Spanish ambassador in Cairo.

Ambassador Bassam Rady, the official spokesperson for the presidency, said that the president requested that his greetings be conveyed to King Felipe VI of Spain and Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister.

He stressed Egypt's aspiration to continue close cooperation to improve bilateral relations and maximize the use of the potentials and opportunities available in the two countries in the fields of investment, trade, energy and tourism.

Concerning the Libyan crisis, the Spanish foreign minister praised the Egyptian efforts to stabilize the current situation, while the president stressed that the main goal was to restore stability and security in Libya through the political track and in accordance with the outcomes of the Berlin Conference and the Cairo Declaration.He stressed that the attempts to undermine state entities and national institutions in the region provide space for the spread of the terrorist ideology.

For her side, the Spanish minister of foreign affairs conveyed the greetings of the Spanish monarch and the prime minister to President Sisi, expressing her country's appreciation for the leadership and people of Egypt.

She indicated the depth of relations and extended ties between both countries, and highlighted her country's aspiration to upgrade and develop bilateral relations in various fields. She expressed the Spanish side's keenness to coordinate and intensively consult with bankers, in light of theirpivotal role, to support stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region.

She also mentioned Egypt's pivotal role and effective efforts in combating terrorism, extremist ideology, and illegal immigration, shedding light on Egypt's hosting of a massive number of refugees from various countries, which is highly appreciated by Europe.

The spokesman added the meeting witnessed an exchange of views on ways to develop bilateral relations, including security and military issues, as well as an exchange of experiences regarding dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Regional and international issues of common concern, such as illegal immigration, combating terrorism, developments in the Palestinian issue, and the issue of the Renaissance Dam, were discussed during the meeting.