FM, Dutch counterpart discuss int'l anti-terrorism efforts

CAIRO - 22 September 2017: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Friday met his Dutch counterpart Bert Koenders on ways to promote bilateral relations and coordination at international gatherings, especially the European Union.

In statements, Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Abu Zeid said Shoukry reviewed the Egyptian government's current process of democratization and reform, which requires European partners to understand the challenges currently facing the country, foremost of which are the security threats associated with terrorism and Egypt's vulnerability to unstable conditions in the region.

The Egyptian minister provided his Dutch with a detailed explanation on the economic reform program adopted by the Egyptian government and the clear improvement in the Egyptian economic performance indicators after the recent structural reforms.

Shoukry also pointed out to the major national projects implemented in Egypt and the massive investment opportunities in the country, expressing Egypt's aspiration to increase the Dutch investment flows to the country.

The Dutch minister was keen on discussing Egypt's vision on the recent developments in Libya, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, as well as its efforts to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation.

The two ministers discussed international efforts in stamping out terrorism. In this regard, the Dutch minister hailed Egypt's role in combating terrorism through its membership in the UN Security Council and its chairmanship of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee.

They also discussed the nomination of Egypt's Moushira Khattab for the UNESCO director-general post.