Dealing wisely with Russia-Ukraine crisis requires further Arab cooperation: FM

CAIRO – 9 March 2022: Dealing wisely with the Russia-Ukraine crisis and its consequences requires further joint Arab cooperation and coordination, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in a speech on Wednesday.

In a speech he delivered at the 157th meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers, Shoukry called for unified efforts to overcome and avoid the direct and indirect effects of the crisis on Arab countries and peoples as much as possible.

“The crisis in Ukraine has captured the attention of the entire international community during the past days, including its repercussions on international peace and security as well as its negative effects on global economy which has not yet recovered from the severe negative effects of the Coronavirus pandemic,” Shoukry said.

This global crisis will cast a shadow over our region and our countries, with regard to political, security and economic aspects, Shoukry said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, where they exchanged views on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

The Egyptian president asserted the importance of prioritizing dialogue, Egyptian Presidency’s Spokesperson Bassam Rady said.

President Sisi also stressed backing diplomatic endeavors aimed at reaching a political settlement to the crisis, which would in turn preserve international peace and security.

Sisi thanked Putin for paving the way for the evacuation of Egyptian citizens from Ukraine.

The two presidents discussed cooperation in developmental projects, highlighting the historic firm relations between Egypt and Russia on the official and popular levels.