Sameh Shoukry at Rhodes festival - File photo
CAIRO – 22 May 2017: Combating terrorism requires a collective effort to eliminate the expansion of terrorist organizations and re-affirm the concept of a national state, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry stated Monday during the first session of Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability in Greece.
The foreign minister presented Egypt’s perspective in dealing with the crises of the region, atop of which is the phenomenon of terrorism that calls for a comprehensive approach addressing the political, ideological and developmental aspects of the phenomenon, Presidential spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in an official statement.
The phenomenon of terrorism constitutes a serious threat to the population of the whole region and it undermines the efforts and opportunities for development, Shoukry stated.
He quoted President Abel Fatah al-Sisi’s speech at the opening session of the Riyadh summit Sunday, where he addressed the world leaders and delegates, wondering “Where are the safe havens that are provided for terrorist organizations to train their fighters, treat their wounded, and make changes and replacements for their equipment?”
The session focused on the common challenges that face the Mediterranean region.
The foreign minister expressed his appreciation for the Greek initiative, which provides a new platform for the states in the Middle East and the Arab world to exchange their vision regarding the common challenges of the region, the statement read.
Shoukry referred to Egypt’s efforts to resolve the Libyan crisis, by mediating between the rival parties, and its contributions to put an end to the suffering of the Syrian brothers.
The session also tackled cultural, educational and environmental topics, which, Shoukry stated, are an essential component that contributes to peace and security, and counters the spread of extremism and violence.
Shoukry announced an initiative to include Cairo University in a network with the main universities of all the participating countries in the conference, in order to boost the ties among the youth of the region.
He also invited all the participating countries to attend the Alexandria Film Festival to be held between October 11 and 16, revealing that the festival will host a special section for movies from the Rhodes conference member states.
The conference taking place on May 22 and 23 is a follow-up to Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias’ initiative to establish a forum which deals with the problems of the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Suggested Lead: Combating terrorism requires collective efforts to eliminate the expansion of terrorist organizations and re-affirm the concept of a national state, foreign minister stated.
Caption: Minister Sameh Shoukry at Rhodes conference - Photo courtesy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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